O God, thou great governor of all the world: We pray for all who hold public office and power, and for the life, welfare, and virtue of the people who are in their hands. Strengthen the sense of duty in our political life. Grant that the servants of the state may feel ever more deeply that any diversion of their public powers for private ends is a betrayal of their country. Purge our cities, states, and nation of the deep causes of corruption which have so often made sin profitable and uprightness hard. Breathe a new spirit into all our nation. Give our leaders new vision and set their hearts on fire with large resolves. Raise up a new generation of public men [and women] with the faith and daring of the kingdom of God in their hearts, who will enlist for life in a holy warfare for the freedom and the rights of all people. Amen.
Taken from The Methodist Book of Worship for Church and Home, 1965
