Prayer based on Romans 13

Father God, thank You for the gift of civil authority structures that You have appointed in this world. Use them for Your good purposes in the restraint of evil and for the encouragement of good. May we rightly honor them, and joyfully follow them. We would cooperate with them as conscience permits, but may we not be distracted from seeking first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Teach us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. Grant us the incomparable blessing of the Spirit of Christ in us, that we would make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires. In all these ways may we relate honorably with all those around us.