Prayer for the Secular Power

Oh God and Lord of hosts, You who have appointed governments in all countries, forgive those authorities who have laid their hands on Your saints, and touched the apple of Your eye; let the blood of those whom they have killed not cry vengeance upon them, so that Your wrath is not kindled against them; let it not be laid to their charge in Your great day of judgment, which is still to come.

Let those who do not yet cease to rage against Your sheep, and to scatter Your dearly purchased church, be brought to the right, so that they may be converted before their death, and from persecutors become true followers of Your church.

On the other hand, the authorities whom You have set in our fatherland, the blessed Netherlands, who at present are free from the constraint of conscience, free from domineering over the most holy faith, and above all, free from the blood of Your servants and saints, be pleased to bless them, out of Your heavenly habitation, with the abundance of Your wisdom and grace, a foretaste of which You have permitted them to have already, many years ago.

Let Your church, which is without external armor, shield, sword, or arms, rest under their protection, as under a shady vine or fig tree, in honesty and godliness; so that Your people may be multiplied, and many who are still in error may be guided into the true, right, and only way that leads to life.

Guide us so in Your ways that we may not in any way be a stumbling block or offense for them; so that the liberty which they grant us in the practice of our religion, which we owe to You, may not be taken from us because of an improper walk on our part.

Be pleased to let our children and descendants (if it is best for their salvation) enjoy this pleasant peace which we receive under their protection.

O Lord God, grant that none of these authorities, or of those who are ruled by them, may perish; but that they may all be kept and eternally saved, through Jesus Christ Your beloved Son, to whom be praise, now and forever. Amen.

Remember me, O my God, for good. Nehemiah 13, verse 31.

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. Psalm 31, verse 5.