Almighty LORD,

whose word affects who rules

and the course of nations…

We pray for those who rule over others

as dictators or members of a privileged group

by means of force and coercion.

Grant your Spirit to direct such rule

as to bring peace and well being to those thus ruled…

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

We pray for those who rule over others

as elected representatives of their society,

accountable to rule of law and the voters.

Grant your Spirit to influence their governance

so as to bring peace and well being for all,

not merely a privileged few. 

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

We pray for ourselves

and all who bear the name of Christ;

Grant us your Spirit’s guidance and courage

to practise discernment and tolerance

within the democratic processes

that undergird our political and social well-being.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

Lord, Father of our human family,[1]
you created all human beings equal in dignity:
pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit
and inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter,
dialogue, justice and peace.
Move us to create healthier societies
and a more dignified world,
a world without hunger, poverty, violence and war.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

May our hearts be open
to all the peoples and nations of the earth.
May we recognize the goodness and beauty
that you have sown in each of us,
and thus forge bonds of unity, common projects,
and shared dreams. Amen.

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

Lord of your church,

as you ministered to those who were ill

during your time as one of us,

so we pray you to minster

to those whom we know and who are dear to us…

       we name them aloud, or in the silence of our minds…

as you prayed, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do

so we pray for those who wish us ill and harm,

those with whom we are in conflict…

       we name them aloud, or in the silence of our minds…

Grant all we have named the grace of your peace

Lord hear us LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER

These petitions we bring to you

in the name of Christ Jesus AMEN

---

[1] this and the next paragraph, taken from: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html   this document, by Pope Francis,  is generally a fine declaration of how humanity can live in harmony with creation and amongst itself.