The UK is days away from a momentous political decision. Many people have found it difficult to know which way to vote. There are so many arguments, counter-arguments and claims, that many people are bewildered by the complexity of it all. Christians stand on both sides of the debate.
But God’s Word has not left us struggling to know what to pray for. We should pray—and pray earnestly—for Thursday’s referendum.
We should pray—and pray earnestly—for Thursday’s referendum.
In 1 Peter 2 v 16-17 the apostle gives Christians five quick-fire instructions—all of which make great prayer requests as we approach the referendum. Why not print this list out and pray these things over the next couple of days? Or use it to guide your prayers at home group?
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.”
Heavenly Father, as we approach the referendum, please help me to…
1. “Live as God’s slave.”
Pray that you would use your vote as “God’s slave”—not seeking what you want, but what your heavenly master wants. Ask God for a humble, prayerful attitude to Thursday’s vote—and ask for his wisdom to search your motives as you make your decision. Much of the debate has been about “what is best for us”. But a Christian will want to vote for what serves others and the gospel best.
2. “Show proper respect to everyone.”
Thank God for the privilege of a democratic process which allows everyone to participate. Pray for dialogue over the next few days that shows respect for everyone, whatever their views. Pray that proper respect would be shown by news agencies, by politicians—but most especially, that what comes out of your own mouth and keyboard would be respectful too.
3. “Love the family of believers.”
Thank God that you belong to a community more important and more permanent than nations or political unions—you belong to a family of believers that will last forever. Pray that your love and unity in the gospel would always supersede any differences in political opinion you may have with your brothers and sisters. Pray that you would rejoice and grow together as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession”, as you seek to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2 v 9.)
4. “Fear God.”
Praise our Almighty Creator that he is completely and utterly sovereign. Thank God that this means you don’t need to fear economic meltdown, Islamic terrorism, out-of-control-immigration or the sky falling in. Ask God to give you a reverent awe of his power that eclipses any anxiety about the future.
5. “Honour the emperor.”
Thursday could easily not go the way you want it to. Pray that you would honour the governing authorities—be they in Brussels or Westminster—whatever the outcome of the referendum. Pray that you would honour the government in the way you think about them, talk about them and pray for them. Pray now that those whom God has put in authority would rule wisely and well.
Helpful? Get more prayer ideas just like this in 5 things to pray for your church and 5 things to pray for the people you love.
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Rachel Jones is the author of A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really), Is This It?, and several books in the award-winning Five Things to Pray series, and serves as Vice President (Editorial) at The Good Book Company. She helps teach kids and serves on the mission core team at her church, King's Church Chessington, in Surrey, UK.
