Prayer for America

In 1940, the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, was miraculously saved from the Nazis and arrived on the safe shores of the United States. Soon after the Rebbe's arrival, he revealed that his mission in the United States was to transform it into a place of Torah.There were those who attempted to inform the Rebbe that, "This is, after all, America; it is not like the 'old home.' " To these people, the Rebbe replied, "America is no different; with regard to Torah study and observance of its commandments, America is no exception!"
In the months after the Previous Rebbe came to the United States, he composed a "Prayer for the Welfare of the Nation."
The idea of praying for the government has a Biblical source, in the book of Jeremiah: "Seek the welfare of the country where I have sent you into exile; pray to the L-rd for it, for your welfare depends on its welfare."
In the Mishna, Rabbi Chanina the deputy High Priest said, "Pray for the welfare of the government, for without the fear of it, man would swallow his fellow alive." (Ethics of the Fathers 3:2)
Throughout the ages, Jews have always prayed privately and communally for the welfare of the government and the leaders of the government of the countries in which we find ourselves. Today is no different.
Take a moment to recite this prayer, and to share it with a friend. We do not know which person's mitzva (commandment) will be the one to tip the scale of justice and bring redemption to the entire world, but it could just be yours or mine! Let's give it a try:
"Our G-d and G-d of our fathers, great, mighty and revered. G-d, we beseech You, in Your abundant mercy restore the world unto its true basis, under the guidance of kings and rulers who shall reign with justice and righteousness, without discrimination between nation and nation, race and race.
"We beseech You, O merciful and gracious G-d, guide our illustrious President whom You have chosen leader of these United States. Strengthen and encourage him and his honorable ministers and counselors of state and the honorable representatives of the citizens in both houses of Congress. Bless their efforts to save this land and the neighboring lands from war and destruction, and wherever they turn in the cause of humanity and in behalf of this land and for the benefit of Your people Israel, send the angels of blessing and success to welcome them, and cause war and its calamities to be ended and an era of peace and justice with its blessings to begin even in their and our days. Amen."