Democracy Prayers
Prayers for democracy, the democratic process, elections, and the government.
For Our Country
Almighty God,
Ruler of all the peoples of the earth,
forgive our shortcomings as a nation,
purify our hearts to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders,
and steadfastness to our people,
and bring us at last
to that fair city of peace whose foundations are mercy,
justice, and goodwill,
of which you are the designer and builder;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Our Country
We give thanks for the democracy alive in our country and for the freedom to worship You.
Help the elected government and all in positions of power and authority to govern wisely and for the common good of all.
Help us all to recognize that humility and respect for democracy are characteristics which make
America a beacon for stability and prosperity around the world – characteristics which should be upheld, as they were fought for by ancestors who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we too often take for granted today.
- Adapted from A British Prayer for Democracy
Government Leaders and Families
God, thank You for the men and women who serve our country in leadership roles and for their families.
Please provide our leaders with reminders each day of why they decided to dedicate their lives to public service, and use that commitment to encourage them.
Give them peace when their work takes them away from their families.
We also pray specifically for the wives, husbands, and children of our leaders. We ask that You draw near to them and give them the wisdom on how to best support one another while their loved one is away working.
- Adapted from a prayer written by Samantha Urban Tarrant
For Our Elections
Lord, please help us protect our elections which are the heart of our democracy.
Guide us in our responsibilities as citizens that we may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for our common good.
Ensure the faithful administration of our voting processes so that the rights of all may be protected.
And in our thoughts and in our actions, help us to align ourselves with your justice and mercy and grace so that we might be a people at peace among ourselves.
Amen. 
- Adapted from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer
Preserving Our Democracy
“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3)
Lord please give us the wisdom to see the damage being done to our democracy by those who would mislead, deflect, disrupt for the sake of disruption and power, and deny the humanity of others.
Give us the courage to learn, witness, to speak up and out, to protect the right of all to vote and be heard.
Help us to connect to our fellow citizens and commit to their well-being.
Lord, help us renew and nurture our country’s ideal of liberty and justice for all.
“And as we engage, defend, and rebuild may we trust in your mercy and justice, and follow your paths, committing our efforts to your wisdom and guidance.” (Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:3)
Help us Lord to resist tyranny in all of its forms.
Amen.
- Author Unknown
Your Kingdom Come
We thank you Lord for those who build your kingdom –
for those who step forward to care for us, even at risk to themselves;
for those who accept the call to military service;
for those who, despite fear and threats, take action in the pursuit of justice;
for those who speak up to defend rather than diminish our democratic ideals of community and trust;
for those working to ensure all can vote;
for those who feed the hungry and provide support to those who have lost their jobs;
for those who shelter the homeless;
for those who educate our children;
for those who comfort the grieving;
for those who reach out in hope and healing.
Bless all of these who are doing your kingdom work here and now.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.
Deceit
Lead us O Lord, through the divisive rhetoric, appeals to fear, misinformation, and other deceits of our political times.
Help us to trust in you and follow your paths.
Awaken us O Lord, to the world as it is and to our own role in its suffering.
Help us to see the possibilities for peace and future prosperity for all.
Create with us O Lord, a democracy and a country where all might thrive.
Let us not be deceived or turned from your ways.
Amen.
- Author Unknown
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