For All Kings and Rulers

O Lord,
grant to all kings and rulers
health, peace, concord, and stability,
that they may administer the government
you have given them without failure.
For you, O heavenly Master, King of the Ages,
give the sons of men glory and honor
and authority over all things that are on the earth.
Lord, direct their counsel
according to what is good and pleasing in your sight,
that administering the authority you have given them,
in peace and gentleness, with godliness,
they may continue to please you.
You alone are able to do these things,
and things far greater than these for us.
We praise you, through the High Priest and Guardian of our souls,
Jesus Christ;
through him be glory and majesty to you,
both now and for all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Clement of Rome, first century.

From a longer prayer in Clement’s epistle to the Corinthians.

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953