Rivertown United Reformed Church

Gracious God, king of kings and Lord of lords, we pray today for statesmen, leaders and rulers. May they be quiet in spirit, clear in judgement. Able to understand the issues that face them.

For the homeless – bring them shelter For the refugees – grant them stability For the starving – fill their cupboards For the ‘have not’ – to receive from the ‘have’ For the warring – be granted peace For the thirsty – to have access to water For the oppressed – freedom to be what they are For the pariahs – that they will change For the despots – bring democracy For the damaged – the resources to repair

May they think often of the common people on whose behalf they must speak and act. May they remember that in keeping your laws is humankind’s only good and happiness.

Grant them patience, grant them courage. Grant them foresight and great faith.

God, in their anxieties be their security, in their opportunities be their inspiration. By their plans and actions may your kingdom come, your will be done: a world at peace, food and shelter for all; freedom of choice and a focus on all that is good in you, through Jesus our saviour we pray, amen.