O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
Draft — AI-assisted research under editorial review.
A broad intercessory prayer added to the Book of Common Prayer at the Restoration revision of 1662, petitioning God for all people everywhere, for the unity of the Church, and for the comfort of those who suffer. Its authorship is uncertain; it has long been credited to Robert Sanderson, Bishop of Lincoln, but that attribution rests on tradition rather than firm evidence.