A Prayer for The President of the United States, and all in Civil Authority.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold and bless thy servant THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This prayer is from the Book of Common Prayer adopted by the Episcopal Church in the United States of American in October 1789. It has been in continuous use since that date. It is modeled after A Prayer for the King’s Majesty in the 1662 and 1559 editions of the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England.

It is said to have been adapted from prayers for the ruling authorities in the 6th century Sacramentary of St. Gregory, and can be traced back to the admonition, "..that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.." (1 Tim. 2:1-2).