Prayer for the Nation at the Time of National Elections

Gracious Heavenly Father, all governments are given by You for our good.  Teach us to honor all who govern , because they are Your servants.  As we approach a time in our nation to choose our leaders and representatives, we ask You to grant wisdom to all who will cast their ballots. Help us to choose the best and most honorable among us to lead us.  Use the consciences of all, Your law written on the hearts of all people, to guide everyone in all their decisions.  Give us leaders who will govern with wisdom and laws that bring order and justice to our nation.  Provide a continued environment in which Your Church may preach and teach all of Your Word and administer Your sacraments without interference or persecution.  Strengthen the faith of all who trust in Your Son as their Savior with the knowledge that You guide and control all things.  We ask that you help our citizens to unite for the common good of all, obeying the law of the land, setting aside selfishness and all evil thoughts.  When all decisions are made, help us to support our leaders in all their work, and to obey all laws that do not oppose You and Your Word.   As with all things, we ask that Your will be done.  In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.