Very little changes ...

That is certainly true of politics. The following, rather tongue-in-cheek, "prayer" got an MP called William Hone into hot water when it first circulated in 1817.

Our Lord, 

who art in the treasury, 

whatsoever be thy name

Thy power be prolonged, 

thy will be done, 

throughout the empire as it is in each session

Give us our usual sops, 

and forgive us our occasional absences on divisions; 

as we promise not to forgive those who divide against thee

Turn us not out of our places, 

but keep us in the House of Commons, 

the land of Pensions and Plenty

And deliver us from the People 

Amen 

William Hone, 1817

The trouble is, it seems to be as true of the politicians today as it was then ...