Prayers for Tim Russert

Ways of the World represents an unusual cross between religion and secular living. That phrase applies as well to Tim Russert. We've pondered since Friday how to remember him here. Surely we must do that, for he excelled in his work and exemplified for us how some people can experience their worldly career as a "calling". What better kind of person can we speak of here?

Finally, just a little while ago, we remembered: our Prayer Book includes a petition "For those who Influence Public Opinion. Here it is, along with a most fitting offering from the Burial Office.

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies cannot be numbered: Make us, we pray, deeply aware of the shortness and uncertainty of human life; and let your Holy Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days; that, when we shall have served you in our generation, we may be gathered to our ancestors, having the testimony of a good conscience, in the communion of the Catholic Church, in the confidence of a certain faith, in the comfort of a religious and holy hope, in favor with you, our God, and in perfect charity with the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer,
Pages 827 and 504

May his soul and those of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

We also remember his Wife Maureen, Son Luke and Father "Big Russ".