MORE THAN EVER, OUR POLITICIANS NEED PRAYERS

THE QUESTION 'What do you think of the politicians of today?' will, more often than not, bring negative responses. 'They are only in it for the money, the power, the position' and 'It is impossible to find an honest politician' are likely replies.

Seldom is there a positive or sympathetic thought for the politician and the challenges they face in their personal and family life while fulfilling a demanding public role on behalf of their constituents.
Meanwhile, the media makes us very much aware of the faults and failings of any politician. Yet, the Houses of Parliament have had a worldwide influence.
The government building at constitution park houses the debating chambers of the The Parliament and The Senate   may seem far beyond the influence of most citizens, yet, through prayer, it is possible to have a powerful influence on politicians and, through them, the Government of the nation. It was Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who said, 'More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.'' It is through prayer that we, as Christians, can reach into the House of Parliament building and have a greater influence than we can imagine.

There is power in the spoken word and to speak critically or negatively is destructive. To take our anxieties, concerns and desires to the Lord in prayer is constructive and opens the door for the Lord to move on our behalf.

As Christians, we have become more aware that laws that once reflected Godly standards are being eroded. Belatedly, we have become more concerned about the laws that have been passed or are under consideration.

Previously, we have been guilty of doing nothing or of failing to pray for our parliament and our politicians, Before praying for our politicians, should we not come to the Lord in repentance that we have failed to be obedient to his word? Today, there is a greater awareness of our need to pray, but has repentance been missing? How should we pray? Begin by praying for the politician that represents the constituency in which you live.

Pray for them according to 1 Timothy 2:1- 2. Try to imagine what pressures you would experience if you were an MP. Take a walk in their shoes, so to speak, then you will pray with greater understanding. Pray similarly for the Prime Minister. Pray for the parliamentary business of the day. Ask the Holy Spirit to presence himself in West- minster that he may influence day's business, 'The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water: he turns it wherever he wishes' (Prov. 21:1). lt is also true that 'we have not, because we do not ask'.

What political party should we pray for? Let us remember that God is not a party member, Testimonies have been given by members of various parties of how God called them to be an MP. Truly it is 'in the multitude of counselors that there is safety' (Proverbs 11:14).

Within St Lucia, there are a number of Christian groups that meet regularly for fellowship. These groups have representatives from the two political parties and meet in fellowship as members of the body of Christ - while their parties oppose each other in the House! The godly members of both the Senate and Parliament do have a voice, and they do have an influence. Let us pray for them that God will open a way for their influence to be more powerful. it is through them that God can speak into the affairs of this nation.

Adapted from www.prayermagazine.net