Prayers for the People (18)

This series of prayers in The Book of Common Prayer focuses on national life.

Believers are told in 1 Timothy to pray for rulers and authorities over us. We know that God cares about the moral disposition of non-Israelite nations and the rulers of those nations (cf Ninevah, Gomorrah, Salem, any of the local tribes in the Levant God judged using Israel, et al) and so we can confidently pray for our own nation and also for our authorities and rulers.

In the democratic republic of America, the electorate are rulers, as well, so it makes sense to pray for the electorate in how they vote and in how they live, as well as our local, state, and national elected and appointed officials as they make and execute laws.

18. For our Country

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth they praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the time of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.