Therefore I encourage you
first of all
to make
petitions,
prayers,
intercessions
and thanksgivings
for all people,
for kings
and for all who are in positions of authority,
that we might lead a peaceful and quiet life.
in all godliness and seriousness.
This is good and pleasing to God, our saviour,
who wishes all people to be saved
and to come to knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God,
and one mediator,
between God and humanity
(the) man Jesus Christ
who gave himself as a ransom for everyone
a testimony at the proper time.

Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me
Be thou a smooth path below me
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me
Today – tonight -forever
Amen.

St Columba