prayer for new president

We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality.

Editor’s Note: Archbishop John Carroll wrote his “Prayer for Government,” from which the above section is taken, on November 10, 1791, during the presidency of George Washington, ordering that it be recited in parishes throughout his diocese. 

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