Prayer for Sound Government

The coming July 4 holiday brings with it the question of how best to pray for
our nation. This anonymous prayer, only lightly edited since it appeared in an Episcopal Church publication more than fifty years ago, is one I have found very durable. If it proves useful for you, you may wish to share it with others.

Charles Hoffacker

Prayer for Sound Government

Almighty God, heavenly Father,
we ask you to bless our country,
that it may be a blessing to the world.
Help us to adopt aims and policies
that are in accordance with your will.
May we see ourselves as others see us,
and avoid self-deception and hypocrisy.
Lead us to sound government,
equal justice in law,
wise education,
and incorruptible news media.
Grant us a true sense of fairness
in our dealings with one another,
and a spirit of service
that will banish pride of place
and give equality of opportunity to all.
This we ask in the name of the One
who taught that only the truth
can make us free,
your child Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.