A Prayer for the Federal Election

Proverbs 8:12-16 says:

Aerial view of Parliament House

‘I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech.

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.

By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just;

by me princes govern, and nobles – all who rule on earth.

Almighty Father, you rule the earth in love, and your word reminds us that rulers only govern by your wisdom.

We thank you that with stable democracy in Australia, we have relative peace and prosperity. Forgive us for ever taking such things for granted.

Give to those in authority determination to defend the principles of freedom and justice, strength to safeguard the innocent, and clarity of vision to be peace-makers in our world.

With an upcoming federal election, we pray for those seeking public office. Grant them wisdom, skill, and energy.

Protect them from corruption and the temptation of self-serving. Enable them to make realistic promises and help them keep their word. Preserve them from petty point-scoring and foolish name-calling.

Preserve all us, who vote, from those same temptations as well. Grant us prudence and knowledge as we prepare to participate in the federal election. And help us never forget that fearing you, Lord, is the beginning of wisdom.

We pray in the name of Jesus, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid. Amen.

[Photo courtesy CSIRO via Wikipedia, used by permission under Creative Commons, CC BY 3.0]