A king’s labour

My primary allegiance
is to the King of kings,
but I will honour Charles as king
and all those ‘in the wings’
willing to serve, encourage
those working through the land
unselfishly where there are needs
fulfilling tasks they see at hand.

And pray for Charles, Camilla,
with thanks that they are willing
and sensitive, aware
of different views and backgrounds;
they care –
may that grow,
receiving good advice
and God’s wise teaching know.

Our parliament is peopled
with people like ourselves
who can be foolish, led astray
but we can for them also pray,
acknowledging the hard work done
for their constituents.

Be glad we’ve no dictator
or tyrant bent on hate,
and pray for those who lobby well
encouraging good debate,
so that we will not see descent
to fighting, fire, anarchic ferment
as seen just now in sad Sudan
destroying, damaging
injuring, killing,
resources ravaging,
nothing good achieving.

I urge requests, thanksgiving be made for everyone  – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.  This is good, pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. from1 Timothy 2:1-3

[IP: exactly 200 words long — these instruction words not included in the count!]