Nick Fawcett (devotional and reflective writer)

You may well not have much time for politicians at the moment. Along with many others, and with good reason, you may be feeling thoroughly disillusioned – dismayed by the shenanigans in Parliament over recent years, by policies espoused by various parties, by the rise of populism, by views expressed by party leaders or candidates, or by a good deal else. Several commentators speak of a broken parliamentary system and politics being in crisis; hardly surprising then that many have lost interest in the whole business. For us to pray for those standing at the impending general election may seem like a naive whistling in the wind, yet perhaps it is more important today than ever. To ensure a healthy future for our country, we need people of honour and integrity to represent us in the years ahead, putting the wellbeing of all, and of this planet before personal ambition, inflexible dogma, or narrow party politics.

Here’s a prayer, then, taking from my 2001 book Prayers for All Seasons 2, asking God’s guidance for those seeking election to office.

For candidates at the coming General Election

Sovereign God,
you have called us to pray for those set over us,
and to respect those in authority.

So now we think of the coming election
and of all those who will be standing in it.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for those standing as candidates –
may they seek the good of others
rather than be concerned with self-advancement;
for those who will cast their votes –
may they too look beyond self-interest
to the wider needs of our country as a whole;
for those who will be elected as MPs –
may they strive to represent all their constituency members,
irrespective of political affiliation.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

We pray for whichever party forms our new government –
may they see further than party,
and even national interest,
to the needs of the wider global community;
for those who will sit in opposition –
may they challenge complacency, injustice or abuse of power;
for those who will be appointed to the Cabinet
and other government positions –
may they honour the responsibility entrusted to them;
for the Prime Minister as he or she looks to lead this nation –
may they be equipped for the onerous responsibilities of office.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Sovereign God,
grant to all called to serve in any position, large or small,
the gifts they will need –
wisdom,
patience,
dedication,
integrity,
vision
and humility –
and help them to fulfil their calling faithfully,
mindful of all, and mindful of you.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.