‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority…’1Timothy 2:1-2

Whether you like the Prime Minister we have elected or not, we are not excused the responsibility of praying for him and the government he leads – and not just for their downfall! We need to pray they will:

• see past their slogans and labels in order to govern justly for the benefit of all;
• not be slaves to the policies they have proclaimed, where those policies need to be revised, adjusted or changed;
• have the ability to change course where it becomes necessary in order to demonstrate justice and mercy; 
• overcome tribal boundaries marking political parties in order to implement policies benefitting the whole country;
• seek real progress rather than political point scoring.

We also need to pray for our country that there will be unity in spite of the disappointment some will be feeling; that people will not revel in division, but seek the benefit of their local communities as well as the country as a whole. We also need to pray for ourselves as a Christian community. How are we being salt and light, bringing the hope and the love of Christ we proclaim. A lot to pray and then act upon!