How

to

pray

for

the

new

government

We include a regular time for praying together during the week as part of our life together as a Church. House of Prayer each day (except Thursdays) gives some of us 30 minutes at lunchtime in the same space fuelled by the Word, listening to the Spirit. (Others pause to pray using social media) Each day there’s a set passage from the Bible as well as particular areas we pray for. 

Today we got the election result and looked at the passage, set months ago for this lunchtime. It was Proverbs 29:1-14. It was astonishingly on target for today and we prayed it. Feel free to join in. 

'1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy.' 

We pray that this new Government will be open to those who may question and challenge it. 

'2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.' 

We pray that righteousness, honesty and integrity will mark those in Government that our nation will know joy under their leadership. 

'3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.’

We pray for leaders who recognize the value of wisdom and are open to that ‘wisdom from above’. May the wealth of this nation – whether financial or in other areas - not be squandered on the greed of a few.

'4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for[a] bribes tear it down.'

We pray that our Government will pursue justice for all and resist the temptations of ‘kick backs’ for some.

‘5 Those who flatter their neighbours are spreading nets for their feet.’

We pray for good relationships with our international neighbours that are marked by honesty and openness on all sides. 

'6 Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad. 7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.'

We pray that this Government will know the joy that comes from showing care and justice for the poor. We pray that our nation will embrace this kind of righteousness.

'8 Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool,

the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity

and seek to kill the upright. 11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.'

Protect us from the evil that comes as failure to understand the whole picture turns into anger, violence and hatred. Give our national and local Governments the wisdom to bring calm in the end. 

'12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.'

We pray that in a world of spin and stories that there may be an insatiable appetited among those who lead us for the truth. Enable those who brief and support the Government to do so with an eye for the truth however unpalatable it might be. 

'13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both'.14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established for ever.' 

We pray that people in Government will grasp our common humanity and the promise of the closeness of the LORD to all who call upon Him. We pray that fairness to the poor may be a cornerstone of how our country and city is governed for decades in the future, no matter which party is in power. 

We pray – agreed on this together – in the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD. Amen. 





Photo credit: PM Cameron speaks to staff via photopin (license)