Parliament is now back in session in Westminster. We’ve had the party conference season, where the Lib Dems went to Brighton, Labour went to Manchester and the Conservatives went to Birmingham. Now they’ve all made the pilgrimage back to Westminster, and have begun another season of legislating for the nation. So what should we be praying for them?
Each of the major parties has a major role to play, whether they are in Coalition or Opposition. And each of the leaders therefore needs our prayers as they seek to serve the nation.
- David Cameron: Obviously the Prime Minister carries the greatest responsibility, and therefore we have a responsibility to pray for him all the more. One of the major pieces of news from the conference season recently is that the government is not on course to meet its deficit reduction targets, and is planning to make more cuts to further balance the books, probably to the welfare budget. Pray for a sense of fairness for David Cameron in this parliament, that any cuts don’t hit those who already can’t afford all their monthly bills.
- Ed Miliband: For the Leader of the Opposition my suggested prayer is for responsibility. In Opposition it can become easy to oppose everything, and to make promises that cannot be kept. Let’s pray for responsible opposition rather than opportunism.
- Nick Clegg: The Deputy Prime Minister knows a thing or two about making promises in opposition that cannot be kept in government. My suggested prayer for him though is for courage. He and the Lib Dems will want to speak up for the poorest and marginalised in society, as the government faces having to make further cuts. Let’s pray they do speak out on behalf of the vulnerable, and those who cannot speak up for themselves. (Proverbs 31:8-9)
I think Nick Clegg has actually had a great autumn of courage so far. His apology to his party and the country for breaking his pledge on tuition fees is the sort of thing that takes immense courage, since he knew he would probably be ridiculed again for the policy change. But since we have politicians who are not perfect, then isn’t it a great thing when they do apologise for breaking a promise? I think it would be great to see more of that sort of courage in all of our politicians.
For those of you who haven’t seen the parody video of his apology, it’s so good that it’s worth taking another look at here. But then once you’ve stopped laughing, do spare a moment to pray for him, for Miliband, and for Cameron.
Mark Williamson is a founding director of One Rock International, a training organisation resourcing missionary leaders across the globe. He’s also passionate about praying for London, getting into deep conversations, and going for long walks with his wife Joanna.