Just watching the news over the last few days I am reminded of the condition of our nation ... David Cameron talks about the so called Big Society, yet banks continue to extract millions in fee's from their customers despite being bailed out by the government. Who can doubt that there is something deeply wrong in the United Kingdom today?
Everyone seems to be looking out for themselves, nobody seems to care, nobody appears to have any honour or respect - from the top to the bottom. Many of our children are growing up without a father, our government encourages children into promiscuity, what was once considered as a perversion is now spoken of as though it is normal, more than that it is now honoured and all around us we see injustice.
Thinking about all of those things and many more I was reminded that we are commanded to pray for our country, our leaders and those who work at Westminster. You might be pleased to know that there is more Christian activity in the Palace of Westminster than generally assumed and there are many who aim to work out their faith in the corridors of power in a way that serves the nation as a whole.
There is also a little known ritual that takes place every day at the Houses of Parliament which is said to have been common practice since 1567. Not that many outsiders would know about it, though, because it is conducted behind closed doors out of view of the public. Before every session in both the Lords and the Commons, members stand, turn to face the wall behind them, and pray. Attendance is voluntary, but only Christian prayers are ever read out.
This is the form of the Commons's main prayer, as read aloud by the speaker's chaplain:
Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen and her government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of your Spirit. May they never lead the nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may your kingdom come and your name be hallowed. Amen.
There was a time when these prayers were not just a ritual, they were prayed by men who accepted that God had given them a responsibility and who had a relationship with Him ..
Ritualistic prayers are used by many religions, from the Muslim to the Wiccan, the truth is God is not looking for ritual or religion, but rather relationship !!!
God wants everyone to be in relationship with Himself, How is your relationship with Him TODAY ?
May you know the blessing of God and the God who blesses ..
Pastor Martyn
May you know the blessing of God and the God who blesses ..
Pastor Martyn
Scripture Reading:
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
