Here’s what I am praying today …
Father God, on this morning after the federal election, ask you especially to watch over our democratic system of government.
We thank you that we are under a democratic system and that we are able to vote.
Thank you that we were able to go to the ballot boxes in peace yesterday and cast votes.
And thank you that even though there isn’t a clear result – our system is strong enough to cope withthat.
We pray for those who are playing apart in the process over the next few days – that the discussions and negotiations that you will give clear heads and integrity as the postal and prepoll votes are counted – and negotiations take place for a possible coalition or minority government on whichever side.
We pray that there would not be too much instability – and we ask that no one be needlessly provocative –particularly we pray for Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott – and the various independents who will most probably be totally exhausted – and now are to be further stretched in their negotiating skills..
We pray that the new government –would administer authority rightly – as it makes laws and judgements, that we might be governed in with righteousness, justice and mercy.
Father after last night – there are winners and losers – we pray for those who have lost their seats in parliament – as they need to make personal adjustments – and find new jobs – and come to terms with that – we pray that you would look after them – and comfort them – and help them deal with the loss of meaning and purpose – and going from a rooster to a feather duster.
We pray that by your spirit they would turn to you and seek comfort.
We pray for those who are the winners in the various contests – that this would not go to their heads – we pray that they would actually see that it is only by your goodness that they have this privilege of governing us – and that they would act to administer your world your way.
We pray Lord that in this new term of parliament you would give us humble leaders lord, who would consider others better than themselves – looking not to their own interests, but to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).
We pray that you would give us leadership that would lead the way in righteous behaviour. We pray that whoever is elected they would work for righteousness for that exalts a nation, we pray that they would not sin in the way they they govern for that sin is a disgrace to any people (Proverbs 14:34).
Lord, there has been so much rhetoric about immigrants and immigration– we pray for a government that would Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain (he rights of the poor and oppressed, Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked(Psalm 82:3-4). Lord we pray Australia and our national leadership that you would remind us that He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God(Proverbs 14:31). And we pray for ourselves as a Christian Community and Australia as a nation that we would be people who look after orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27).
And Lord as we turn out attention to the Bible Now, and our series,Strength in Weakness – we pray that you would speak powerfully now to us – and that in our weakness we would see Christ’s strength – and that you would keep us from loosing heart.
We pray this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
