Communities

Guidance for praying for the upcoming GENERAL ELECTION

There can be a lot of fear and anger around elections.  As we come into prayer now, pause for a moment and present our hearts to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to bring us into His perspective.

For I am the LORD you God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you “DO NOT FEAR; I WILL HELP YOU” Isaiah 41:13

Prayer:  LORD, I know that You are so much bigger than anything we are facing in this nation.  Thank You that You reign above it all.  As I pray today, I ask You to lead me into Your perspective of the situation, full of Your comfort, Your authority and Your hope.  Amen.

PRAY FOR PEACE

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’  Isaiah 9:6

Tensions run high around elections, so let’s pray for peace to cover every part of the process:

• That the Prince of Peace would reign over the nation with His peace.
• That God would help any frustration to be channelled into productive action and conversation.
• The if there is to be an exchange of power, it should happen peacefully and with respect.

PRAYER FOR VOTERS

‘But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ‘ James 3:17

• Pray that God would give voters ‘wisdom from heaven’ so that they can be ‘impartial and sincere’.
• That the process of voting is safe for everyone.
• That voters make decisions with Godly wisdom, led by the Holy Spirit.

PRAY FOR OUR NATION

‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the in the heavenly realms. ‘ Ephesians 6:12.

There are spiritual realities involved in human circumstance, and Jesus has ultimate authority over every ‘spiritual force of evil’ in our world. Let’s pray against the darkness that is enflaming fear, despair, and violence in people’s hearts:

• That where there is division, God would bring unity and respect.
• Let’s bless each political party and different group with a heart for unity and cooperation.
• That where there are lies and false narratives, God would bring revelation and truth.
• That where there is despair, God would bring hope and vision.
• Jesus is at work in our nation. Let’s pray for His vision to inspire hope in our nation.

PRAY FOR THE MEDIA

‘Get rid of bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.’ Ephesians 4:31-32

Let’s pray that the media contribute to these elections in helpful ways:

• That reporting will be accurate and true.
• That the media will promote conversation rather than division.
• That there will be no ‘brawling and slander’ or malice, but rather words that speak the truth in love.
• That God will work among the media to shed light on what is hidden.

PRAY FOR THE CHURCH

‘For we are God’s handwork, created by Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ Ephesians 2:10

As we look to a future beyond these elections, let’s pray:

• That God establishes a government of justice and righteousness in our nation.
• That all forms of injustice and corruption are exposed and destroyed.
• That those in power actively fight against all forms of oppression and discrimination, allowing freedom to flourish.
• That mercy and compassion for all people are restored in laws, policies, and our hearts.

PRAY FOR THE FUTURE

‘I urge you to pray for all people.  Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity’ 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Let’s pray for the leaders who are involved in this election:

• That God would bless each candidate, successful or not, with wisdom and grace.
• That God would give our political leaders a heart for unity and peace.
• That God would intervene to bring leaders who will best serve His vision for our nation into power.
• That God will raise up righteous leaders who are trustworthy, ethical, and pure of heart.

PRAY FOR JUSTICE

‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: ”Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor.  In your hearts do not think evil of each other”   Zechariah 7:9-10

As we look to a future beyond these elections, let’s pray:

• That God establishes a government of justice and righteousness in our nation.
• That all forms of injustice and corruption are exposed and destroyed.
• That those in power actively fight against all forms of oppression and discrimination, allowing freedom to flourish.
• That mercy and compassion for all people are restored in laws, policies, and our hearts.

Prayer guidance courtesy of 24/7 Prayer 

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As of Sunday 12th May, things are getting underway. When Archdeacon Catherine visited the benefice as part of her already planned "visitation" in April, she met for a short while with the churchwardens who had been already elected. All the churchwardens now elected and the Ministry Team* are going to meet with Catherine and our Rural Dean, Tim Weathersone, on Wednesday 5th June. In the meantime, Catherine will be meeting the Ministry Team on Monday 13th May.

For people who may be interested in becoming Rector of Mattishall and Tudd Valley Benefice, there is already some basic information available at www.dioceseofnorwich.org/about/about-vacancies/ Scroll down to "Upcoming Clergy Vacancies" and then to "Archeaconry of Lynn"

* What was formerly known as the Staff Team is now known as the Ministry Team, the term usually used throughout our diocese and in parish profiles used in vacancies like ours. As with many tltles it can be misunderstood, particularly as there are many in the benefice who exercise different ministries, but when you see "Ministry Team" please think "clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs)".

We will be doing our very best to keep everyone up-to-date with things as they happen.

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