laudable Practice

For use at the time of a Parliamentary or Civic Election. Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, guide, we beseech thee, the minds of all those who are called at this time to exercise the duty of electing fit persons to serve in Parliament [or, in the Council of this County or City or Town]. Grant that the issue of their choice may promote thy glory and the welfare of this people; and to all those who shall be elected, give the spirit of wisdom, courage, and true godliness. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. It is general election day in the United Kingdom. The above prayer is from the Church of Ireland BCP 1926 . A very similar prayer was provided in the Prayer Book as Proposed in 1928 and in the Canadian BCP 1962. How does the prayer shape our understanding of a parliamentary election? Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom ... It is a deeply Hookerian introduction to the prayer. As Hooker declares: The boundes of wisdome are large, and within them much ...