I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1. Blessed by God
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. 2 Chronicles 20:12)
Gracious Father, please bless A* in every area of life: sitting in the House of Commons, undertaking other parliamentary roles with committees and groups and their serving the constituency, any professional capacity, personal and family relationships, taking rest and recreation, and experiencing spiritual wholeness and peace. For Jesus' sake, Amen. (‘A*’ represents the name of your MP.)
2. Raised up by Him
"Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.
He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.
He reveals deep and mysterious things." Daniel 2:20-21 (NLT)
Eternal God, we ask You to grant opportunities for A* to undertake the work You have ordained and provided for them. Remind them that because of our human frailty we all need to seek Your protection and grace. Please guide them in any specific areas of responsibility they have to follow Your ways of righteousness and mercy. By Your grace. Amen.
The political arena is pretty brutal. Knowing Christians were praying for me made such a difference. I could literally feel it in my stride and in the strength of my voice. Having to be so much away from home, I especially appreciated the prayers that went up for my young sons.
3. Heavenly wisdom
"The wisdom from above is first of all pure... peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others… full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." James 3:17 (NLT)
Holy Spirit, in politics we sometimes witness so-called ‘wisdom’ that is ‘earthly, unspiritual and demonic’ leading to ‘envy and selfish ambition… disorder and every evil practice’’ (James 3:15,16.) Please deliver A* from such snares and give them an ongoing desire and determination to listen for and walk in Your ways of heavenly wisdom. In Christ’s name. Amen.
4. Under the Lord’s protection
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Father, we pray for A* when times of trouble come, especially when they are unfairly criticised, defamed and attacked, for example through social media messages that can be threatening and hateful. Please provide people who will stand up for them, reassure and defend them and their families from such opposition. In Your mercy. Amen.
5. Serving others
"Walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:5,6 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, please give A* an increasing ambition to be not so much ‘a leader who serves’ as ‘a servant who leads’. Help them to be wise and patient in their dealings with local constituents. Grant them peace and the ability to be discerning and courageous for truth in difficult debates and decisions. For Your name’s sake. Amen.
6. Guided by the Holy Spirit
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom." Proverbs 3:5-7 (NLT)
Dear Lord, we pray that in times of uncertainty and difficult decisions A* will seek Your counsel through prayer and the wisdom of others. Please help them to know which path to take and not to bow to undue pressure to act otherwise. Remind them of their original desire to serve in politics with integrity and care for those they represent. By Your grace. Amen.
7. Trusting in God
"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain." Psalm 121:1,2 (NIV)
Word of God, as A* walks across the floor of the Central Lobby of the Palace of Westminster where this scripture is inscribed, please bring its truth to their mind. Thank You for the rich biblically-inspired heritage of this place and kindle hope and faith in them that in the midst of life You are always ready to respond to those who seek You. In the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
