The government in the U.S. is in the midst of a significant transformation after yesterday’s election. And it’s a good time for the people of God to remember their responsibility to hold those who govern in prayer regardless of policy or party affiliation. So, I offer this prayer, which is a slightly revised version of one I said to open the Mobile City Council meeting last week, the light editing intended to extend it beyond the local level to all levels of government.
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose kingdom is everlasting, whose power infinite, and who rules over all that is. You have established the governing authorities to uphold what is good and right and true. Have mercy upon this this land, and so rule in the hearts of your servants who govern it, that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may above all things seek your honor and glory. Look upon them with favor and replenish them with grace by your Holy Spirit, that they may be always motivated to do your will and walk in your way. Fill them with wisdom and courage; grant them wholeness and holiness. And grant that we, the people of this land, remembering whose authority they bear, may faithfully and obediently honor them. Grant that all under their authority grow in your grace and holy love, and attain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns over heaven and earth. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Those familiar with the common prayer tradition should be able to do the source critical work quite easily, even if it is said with a Wesleyan accent.
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