As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.

May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.

May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.

May Christ shield me today.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Photo by MetFilmSchool http://twitpic.com/1lj6mj

In the lead up to the general election there was a lot of talk, bluster and chest beating about who should or should not lead the country (particular about who should not). We all had our favourites and we all had our hopes and dreams – even if for some of us it was just for the whole circus to go away so we could get on with our lives. Now it is finally over and we have a new government. Is it the one you wanted? I doubt it. I doubt anybody really wanted this as it is so hard to predict such an outcome but it’s possible that this rather unique outcome has given us Christians a real opportunity to collectively do something we would normally find hard to do in unison. That is pray for our leaders.

With our usual first past the post result there could be a large section of the Church who struggle to pray for a government they disagree with. Certainly there will be some who even now will find it hard to pray for the Coalition government. Of course the scriptures call us to pray for those who rule over us but this coalition gives us a real opportunity to do so for a change.

Messrs Cameron, Clegg and the rest have a tough job ahead. Working with each other for a start, let alone sorting out the economy, figuring out what to do in Iraq and Afghanistan and trying to restore public faith in a political system which many feel has largely failed us: the people it is supposed to serve. No matter how vehemently we may disagree with the more extreme stances of either the Conservatives or the Liberal Democrats, here we have the possibility that if they work together such policies will be at the least tempered down and at the best not see the light of day.

As Christians we owe it to our country to pray that these two different viewpoints can work together for the good of the country.

As Christians we owe it to our country to pray that happens, to pray that these two different viewpoints can work together for the good of the country, that they will be able to put their differences aside and produce something which while it may not be perfect will be better than if one party had achieved a large majority. We should pray that they will keep each other in check and will be able to concentrate less of party politics and more on government.

We have an opportunity to genuinely pray for our government here not just some half-hearted prayer while thinking “Please God get them out”. Dare I say that the fact this is not a government of one party might make it easier for us to pray – because in this case none of us voted for this government. I didn’t vote for this government and I don’t know whether or for how long it will work but I’m going to pray it does, I’m gong to pray this government achieves what is best for this nation and I’m going to pray for the people involved.

If you weren’t already, I invite you to join me.

But then, what right have I to ask?
To present this shopping list?
When through the day I run my life,
To suit the things I wish.
Oh sure I’ve read my bible,
I say my piece each day.
But when I come to each crossroads,
I don’t ask You the way.
In searching for the plan to pray,
Perhaps all that I’ve done,
Is complicate what comes down to
A chat ‘tween Father and son.
Perhaps it’s not the order,
Or the words I use.
Maybe I just should just relax,
Enjoy my time with You.

“Hi Dad” I would say to You.
“Hello son, how’s the walk?”
“Not too good, I’m struggling”
“Come here, let’s sit and talk”
And maybe during our chat I’d mention my friend too,
She might want to be adopted?
She’d like a Dad like You.
Oh and while I’m here You know that job, the other day?
What d’you reckon I should do I mean – should I go that way?
Oh yes, let’s spend some time like that I really, really want to.
“Bye Dad, I’ll see you later”
“No son, I’m coming with you”