A Prayer for Government

Father

A handful of courageous men

In a moment of danger

Pledged their lives, fortunes and honor

To proclaim a nation whose citizens’ rights

Were based, not upon the nod of king or ruler

But upon creation at your hands.

Grant to our administration

A ministry of service to all, not the few.

To our congress, the upholding of public interest

Not merely a welter of competing private claims.

To our judiciary, a wisdom in interpreting law

Grounded in principle, not expediency.

Pour Your Spirit out upon our people

So that they may become active

In the affairs of government

That they may not confuse dissent for disloyalty

That they may use their mighty power

For the healing of differences among nations

With justice and mercy and love.

Amen.