Prayer for Government
Composed by Archbishop John Carroll, first bishop of the United States,
for the Inauguration of George Washington, 1780
Almighty and eternal God,
You have revealed your glory to all nations.
God of power and might, wisdom and justice,
through you authority is rightly administered,
laws are enacted and judgment is decreed.
Assist with your spirit of council and fortitude
the President of these United States,
that his administration may be conducted in righteousness,
and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides.
May he encourage due respect for virtue and religion.
May he execute the laws with justice and mercy.
May he seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality.
Let the light of your divine wisdom
direct the deliberations of Congress,
and shine forth in all the proceedings
and laws framed for our rule and government.
May they seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness
and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.
We pray for the governor of this state,
for the members of the legislature,
for judges, elected civil officials, and all others
who are entrusted to guard our political welfare.
May they be enabled by your powerful protection
to discharge their duties with honesty and ability.
We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy
all citizens of the United States,
that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified
in the observance of your holy law.
May we be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot give;
and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
We pray to you, who are Lord and God,
forever and ever. Amen.