Prayers

A Prayer for the elections on 5 May 2011

God of Justice and Peace,

we desire the justice on earth known already in heaven.

We pray for the coming elections and referendum.

It is a privilege and a duty to play our part in the democratic process.

May we use our votes wisely.

We pray for all who stand for election,

that they may seek to unite rather than divide, to build up rather than break down,

and that they may have in their hearts that same desire for justice which you sustain eternally.

We pray in the name of Jesus.

Amen

John Howard, Chair of the Countering Political Extremism Resource Group

_____________

We praise you Creator God, for making humankind in your image, setting us free to make choices.

As we approach this election we ask that you will give each of us the gift of discernment to cast our vote wisely

We praise you Risen Christ that you have opened our eyes to your offer of new life and redemption.

As we approach this election, we pray that the political life of Westminster will be renewed, and led by people of wisdom and integrity

We praise you Holy Spirit that you are ever with us, and amongst us.

As we approach this election, save us from small-mindedness, and give us hearts full of love, so that the message and actions of our church community will influence our newly elected MP to strive with us for Peace and Justice.

May your kingdom come on earth. Amen

(Baptist Union of Great Britain)

Response:
Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth
God of Justice and Peace, we recall Jesus’ manifesto to “bring Good News to the poor.”

We pray for our country as we approach this General Election. We ask that we will be aware of your presence at the ballot box, as we caste our votes. We pray that you will raise up clear-thinking political leaders, people of stature, realism and compassion, whose care is for the poor and disadvantaged, the homeless and the sick.

Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth
God of Justice and Peace, we recall Jesus’ manifesto to “set the captive free”.

We pray for a spirit of generosity as this country goes to the polls, at a time when the earth’s precious resources are so unevenly distributed. We long for a world in which parents no longer have to watch their children dying from starvation or from polluted drinking water, or from the absence of medical care.
We pray that you will raise up politicians whose care is the support of international development, and who will work to cancel the national debts of the poorest countries, and release vital financial resources for education and healthcare.

Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth
God of Justice and Peace, we recall Jesus’ manifesto to “recover sight for the blind”.

We pray that you will protect our nation from extremist politics which engender hatred and division. We thank you for the rich diversity of cultures amongst the electorate, and their links with home countries around the globe. Open our hearts and minds to share the hospitality of the God of love, as we work to overcome all forms of prejudice and discrimination. We pray that you will raise up politicians whose care is to quench unjust discrimination and to build inclusive communities.

Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth
God of Justice and Peace, we recall Jesus’ manifesto to “let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour”.

May we be a part of the yeast which leavens the transformation of our society. We pray for a government which is committed to the welfare and human dignity of all people who live in this country, and we offer to you our individual voting capacity, and our lives.

Living God: Your Kingdom come on earth
We bring our prayers in the name of the Risen Jesus Christ.

Amen. (re Luke 4: 18-19)

(Baptist Union of Great Britain)

CALL TO WORSHIP

We are called from the busyness of the world
to meet God in this place.
Come let us worship the God of the everyday and the profound;
who lives and works among us.

PRAYERS OF ADORATION AND CONFESSION

Creator God
you made the rough terrain of the Earth
and populated it with people in your own image.
From the valleys, the plains and the tops of the mountains:
we praise you.
Redeeming God
you walked amongst us,
revealing love, healing brokenness, finding hope.
From urban streets, civic buildings, community centres and village halls:
we praise you.
Life giving God
You breathe life into our neighbourhoods and call us to respond.
From schools and workplaces, kitchens and computers:
we praise you.
For the times we have looked at another and failed to see your creation:
Father forgive us
For the times when we have looked at another and failed to reach out in love and
compassion:
Father forgive us
For the times when we have looked at another and felt only fear and hatred:
Father forgive us
For the times when we have looked at another and seen pain and fear but failed to
act:
Father forgive us
Father God bless us with your forgiving love that we may reach out to another to
recognise your creation
reveal your love
bring healing
and to speak out against injustice.
AMEN

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

In this election time we pray for the world, our communities and ourselves.
We pray for all who govern:
For the leaders of nations and for all those who are elected to office.
We pray for candidates in the forthcoming election that they may seek justice and
peace for all.

We pray for our communities:
That people may live together with mutual trust and understanding and together build
lives of hope.
We pray for those who experience injustice as part of the everyday:
That racism and prejudice are challenged, that wrongs are put right and healing and
reconciliation comes.

We pray for those who feel they have no voice:
Remembering the marginalized, the very young and the very old and those
dependent upon care.

We pray for ourselves:
That we may respond with love and understanding to the responsibilities of living in a
democracy.
Creator God
whose son Jesus challenged those who govern,
showed people how to live together,
listened to those who had no voice
and who brings love and wholeness to us,
hear our prayer.

BLESSING
God is with us.
Go in the power of the Lord
to bring blessing, hope and peace.
AMEN

(The Methodist Church)