Prayer for UK General Election on 8 June

From URC Communications

Following today’s vote to hold a General Election on 8 June, the United Reformed Church has issued the following call to prayer.

All knowing God, as People of the Way, we look on this General Election as an opportunity to take a new step of faith and faithfulness. We pray that the campaigns, shortly to be launched by political parties of all sizes and traditions, will recognise many of the concerns and uncertainties that face the British people. We ask too that every party will communicate its visions and plans for the future with confidence and sensitivity.

Loving God, as your children, we know that political uncertainty can lead to disquiet within families, communities and churches. We pray for wisdom and generosity of spirit over the coming weeks and months, that Christians will act as arbiters of calm and peacefulness.

Lastly, we pray for our politicians and their families, and for all who stand for election. This time will surely be challenging for those called to public service: we pray for them, and for all who share with them the strain of these weeks.

At Easter we pray in hope and confidence, in the name of the risen Jesus.

Amen

The prayer was written by the General Secretary of the United Reformed Church, the Revd John Proctor, and the URC’s Secretary for Church and Society, Grace Pengelly.

John Proctor also commented: ‘As Reformed Christians we care for our nation and its public life. So at a time of General Election, we shall speak, act and pray. We shall speak for honesty and integrity in the campaigning, and for the needs of the weak, the poor and the overlooked. We shall act for peace, by dealing respectfully with others, even in debate and disagreement, and by seeking the common good as we cast our vote. And we shall pray for the people involved, that the demands of these weeks may bring out the best in our politicians, and that those who win may take up office in a spirit of humility and service.’