Hate politics and dislike politicians? Here’s why you should pray for your government anyway

In today’s volatile political climate, we may sometimes feel that our prayers make no difference. Or we might be so disgusted with our current politics that we are tempted to switch off altogether.

But the Bible clearly tells us that God puts people in positions of power and tasks us to pray for them. In Romans 13:1, Paul reminds us that “the authorities that exist have been established by God”. And in 1 Timothy 2:2, he explicitly tells us to pray “for kings and all those in authority”.

This is a challenge. It includes praying for those we don’t agree with, or don’t like; those who make us angry and those we think don’t really deserve our prayers. A bit like Jonah - who knew that God could redeem anyone he chose but really didn’t want him to redeem the Ninevites. Maybe we should spend a moment of prayerful reflection and ask: Who is our Nineveh?

Prayer-shaped Parliament

People are often pleasantly surprised to learn that there are lots of Christian parliamentarians and staff, and that many of us meet together during the week for prayer and Bible study. The Parliamentary chapel hosts a weekly worship service, Holy Communion and Catholic mass. All of these gatherings are cross-party and help us to step back from the tribalism and divisions of daily politics.

Every year, Parliament also hosts the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, where 700 people - including MPs, peers and church leaders - join together to pray for Parliament, government and politics.

Prayer also underpins the rhythms of Westminster. The Parliamentary day, both in the Commons and Lords, starts with prayers, which seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and call politicians to wise and selfless leadership on behalf of all citizens.

Politicians are real people, who make themselves vulnerable by stepping into the spotlight

The very building itself reminds us that God is sovereign over our nation and its rulers. At the centre of the Palace of Westminster is the central lobby, where the corridors of the Commons, Lords and committee rooms meet. On the floor, written in Latin and largely unnoticed by the hundreds of feet that walk over it every day, is a Bible verse from Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the House, the workers labour in vain.”

And did you know that the famous chimes of Big Ben actually have words set to them? They proclaim to all those within earshot that there is a greater authority at work: “All through this hour / Lord be my guide / And by thy power / No foot shall slide.”

Of course, many people rush through their days here without giving a thought to these things. But they are a powerful reminder that politicians are accountable to God, whether we recognise it or not. And they tell us that only Christ provides the ultimate answer to the world’s problems.

How to pray for politicians

But while we wait for his return, God tasks us with praying for good government. The National Week of Prayer is taking place right now. How best can we pray for good government? The Bible has a lot to say about good leadership, and Micah 6:8 is a great prayer template: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

So, let’s pray for our leaders to act with integrity, seeking to serve the whole population, not just those who might vote for them.

Pray for those making decisions that affect people’s lives, that they will consider the worth of each individual with compassion. Pray for understanding and wisdom to discern truth from untruth.

Politicians are accountable to God, whether we recognise it or not

Let’s also remember that our politicians are real people, who make themselves vulnerable by stepping into the spotlight. So, let’s pray for their strength and resilience, for their families and relationships. Pray that they may be gracious under fire and that they won’t base their own sense of worth on comments made in the media or by others.

Let’s also pray that power does not inflate the egos of those in authority. Pray that they may hold onto their passion for serving others through politics, rather than seeking to benefit themselves.

And finally let’s remember to whom we pray. Prayer is our opportunity to go directly to the creator of the universe, the one who holds all things in his hands, who breathed galaxies into existence, and yet who is intimately concerned about every aspect of our lives. Let’s approach his throne with confidence and lift up our nation and its leaders to him today.

National Week of Prayer is taking place from 6-14 September. For more information visit nationalweekofprayer.uk