14 November 2016
Friends, I have adapted this Scripture and prayer from Scotty Smith’s daily prayer blog, in particular, “A Prayer for a Day Before an Election”. Wollongong also had its own by-election for the state parliament yesterday too. And regardless of your politics, there are good reminders about out ultimate centre and security here…
Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:31-34
Heavenly Father, there’s been a new local state MP elected and also a new president-elect in the USA — great honours and important matters. Thank you for the privilege of voting in free and democratic elections. But as we contemplate Election Day outcomes…
Father, settle our hearts by your Spirit, fix our gaze on Jesus, and fuel our trust in you. If you command us not to be anxious about the core issues of life — eating, drinking, and clothing — certainly you expect us not to be anxious about who warm the seat of the Oval Office. Keep us perpetually aware of the warm-seated throne of heaven, and the Lamb who occupies it, slain and risen (Revelation 5:6, 12-13).
So preserve us from fear of the future. May we do less politicking for our candidates, and more praising of you, God. As our Father, you know what we need in Australia, in America, just like you know what is needed in Uganda, the Sudan, Switzerland, Israel and China, for you will be exalted among the nations — all of them.
We don’t understand all your reasons for choosing to seat certain kings and remove others (Daniel 2:21). The secret things — the mysteries of providence belong to you (Deuteronomy 29:29). But we do know that you’ve already installed Jesus, as the true and eternal King; and we know that peace and laughter, not unrest and consternation, fill the courts of heaven (Psalm 2:4-6).
So in all of our seeking, we intend to seek first your kingdom and the righteousness of your kingdom — in politics and polls, by loving our friends who vote differently than us, and by trusting you for the outcome. Our hope is in you, Father, not in chariots, horses or men. So we pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and loving name. Amen.
Warmly in Christ,
Sandy Grant
Senior Minsiter
P.S. I would love to hear from more people who want to adopt a block of new city apartments to seek to engage with by letter-box dropping, as previously mentioned.
