A Prayer for the President of the United States, and all in Civil Authority

O LORD, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth;

Most hearily we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold and bless THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

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From The Book of Common Prayer - The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

Now This is "Political Rhetoric" That I Like

If you are like me , and you ARE (at least, in some ways), you are probably fed up with what you are hearing these days from politicians hoping to garner your votes.  It seems to me that most, if not all, of the rhetoric, in their commercials or debates, consists of words and phrases that are carefully crafted with the designed intent of psychologically and emotionally manipulating us into casting our vote for them or their pet programs.  Equally disgusting is the way those who are running for office, or promoting a new government regulation, unabashedly slander others, whose opinions on public policy differ from their own.

Assaulted on a daily basis by all of the election year rhetoric, it does my heart good to read this selection from an official document written during the formative years of our nation. No it isn't from a government document. It is a prayer for our elected representatives in congress, as they are in session to deliberate and make important decisions regarding the laws that will affect the lives of the people.

In 1789, the Convention of the newly formed (and Reformed) Protestant Episcopal Church In The United States of America, adopted a Book of Common Prayer that includes this:

A Prayer for Congress.

To be used during their Session.

MOST gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for the people of these United States in general, so especially for their Senate and Representatives in Congress assembled; that thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations, to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy church, the safety, honour, and welfare of thy people;  that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations.  These and all other nesessaries, for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and mediation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour.   Amen.