Prayers for our nation

Let us pray for all in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

As our nation will witness a peaceful transition of power - O merciful Father in heaven, You hold in Your hand all the might of man. And because You have ordained, for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well, all the powers that exist in all the nations of the world, we humbly pray You graciously to regard Your servants. 

Especially do we pray this day for Barack, our outgoing  President, and our president elect  Donald; the Congress of the United States;  Eric, our Governor; and all those who make, administer, and judge our laws; and all who have authority over us; that all who receive the sword as Your ministers may bear it according to Your Word.

As these are difficult times to lead our nation, we acknowledge that No President has ever done so without acknowledging the need for divine guidance.

We  pray this day that You would  grant ALL our leaders Solomon-like wisdom in all of the decisions they make, knowing that King Solomon himself wrote, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).

During a time of economic challenges at home and conflict abroad, as these great challenges loom ahead, we ask You Lord to “defend the cause of the weak” and “maintain the rights of the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3-4).

A prayer for our country - Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every course of action. Make us who came from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail;

Prayer for good government: Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably;

Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding;