For my early morning prayer I use the resource, For All The Saints, which includes the three readings in the Lutheran Book of Worship daily lectionary, and a reading and a prayer from the riches of the Christian tradition.

I was surprised by this morning's prayer. But, upon reflection, I think it's remarkably timely during these days as our Congress is debating the budget (including its provisions for care of the poor) and issues of war and peace in Iraq:

"Almighty God: we make our earnest prayer that thou wilt keep the United States in thy holy protection; that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large and finally that thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean themselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

-- George Washington (1732-1799)