John Nienstedt, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, has issued a prayer in support of Minnesota's proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in the state, the Star Tribune reported.

Voters will decided on the amendment in November.

“The current struggle to defend and define marriage within our civil constitution demands a three-fold approach,” Nienstedt wrote in an open letter posted on the archdiocese's website. “We must actively and resolutely promote widespread participation among our fellow believers in the support of a marriage amendment. And most importantly, we must pray and offer sacrifice for the success of all endeavors that seek to protect and promote marriage.”

Nienstedt offered Catholics the following “marriage prayer” to be recited during mass.

“Through the powerful intercession of the Holy Family, grant to this local Church the many graces we need to foster, strengthen, and support faith-filled, holy marriages and holy families.”

“May the vocation of married life, a true calling to share in your own divine and creative life, be recognized by all believers as a source of blessing and joy, and a revelation of your own divine goodness.”

“Grant to us all the gift of courage to proclaim and defend your plan for marriage, which is the union of one man and one woman in a lifelong, exclusive relationship of loving trust, compassion, and generosity, open to the conception of children.”

“We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.”