Guard and Guide Our Leaders
O merciful Father in heaven,
all rule and authority
in the kingdoms of the world
comes from you,
and you hold in your hand
all the might of humanity.
You have instituted
the governing authorities that exist
for the punishment of those who do wrong
and for the approval of those who do good.
Look on your servants,
the President of the United States,
the governor of this state,
our judges and officials,
and all the rulers of the earth.
May all who have authority
work as your servants
and use their authority
according to your will and command.
Enlighten and defend them by your name, O God.
Give them wisdom and understanding,
that under their peaceful governing
your people may be guarded and directed
in righteousness, quietness and unity.
God of our salvation,
protect and prolong their lives,
that we, with them,
may declare the praise of your name;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Slightly modified from the Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church (1917, 1918)