Almighty God, Ruler of all things and all men: You hold the universe in Your palm, You have set all things to move in harmony, You desire that men dwell in unity and love.
We confess we have spoiled creation by our sin, we have disrupted harmony by our rebellion, we have divided our nation by selfishness.
We trust You will permit sin to rule the day, You can bring order out of our confession, You make nations instruments of Your will.
We implore You that You would crush man's lust for illicit power, stir in men respect for Your creation, kindle in men love for Your creatures.
To this end we pray: raise up leaders everywhere who do Your will, make the nations obedient servants of Your purposes, teach men to live in service to one another.
Grant tranquility, that the peace which the world cannot understand may be preached to the nations in the name of Your Son Jesus. Amen.
Lutheran Book of Prayer, pages 106, 107
