Prayer for All Conditions of Men

In Morning Prayer there are times when *what* to pray becomes problematic for me. I get too bound up in the multiple needs, worries, dramas, and crises of peoples’ lives, and world/national events. And so it is helpful at times to step back, with a little broader perspective, and pray a bit more generally. That’s why I have used this following prayer over the years with regularity. This is from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, with the mild alterations I use. I have also included the 2 Scripture references that are clearly voiced in this prayer.  I hope it will be of use to you.
A Collect or Prayer for all Conditions of Men.
O GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech you for all sorts and conditions of men: that you would be pleased to make your ways known unto them, your salvation unto all nations (Psalm 67.1). More especially, we pray for the good estate of the catholic {universal} Church; that she may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit and holy Scriptures, that all of us who profess and call ourselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity created and produced by the Spirit, in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4.3), and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; [especially those for whom our prayers are desired;] that it may please you to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue {or release, deliverance, termination, end} out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen.

Mike

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