Thought for the day - 3rd April

Thought for the day 3rd of April:

Set Your Compass

We live in a world of political sound bites and adversarial politics. This has led many to become cynical about political processes and to see the process of government as a necessary evil.

The Covid-19 pandemic has bought into the limelight those key workers on whom our quality of life, maybe even survival, depends. We rightly praise the activities of NHS workers and those in the care industry. We are enthused by the overwhelming response to the call for volunteers and by local initiatives, which are bringing communities closer together.

Meanwhile, politics goes on as normal –or does it? Whilst we may not have formed a government of national unity, political bickering has almost ceased. The nation elects a government to govern, and the present crisis requires strong, clear, incisive leadership. Imagine sitting at the centre of government; the sheer number of inputs coming into the policy-making discussions. Health, economics, security, legal rights, international obligations, not to mention the daily ongoing series of daily crises, described by Harold MacMillan as “events dear boy”. Politicians take input from technical experts and civil servants but the policy decisions are for the political leaders to take.

Perhaps we should suspend our normal cynicism and instead pray that in the coming weeks and months our senior politicians draw on their judgment, wisdom and compassion and navigate us safely, in good health and financial stability, through these uncharted waters. Being reminded of these verses in;

New King James Version 1Timothy 2:1-4

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Let us Pray:

A Prayer for the High Court of Parliament, to be read during their session.

MOST gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for this Kingdom in general, so especially for the High Court of Parliament, under our most religious and gracious Queen at this time assembled: That thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honour, and welfare of our Sovereign and her Dominions; that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations. These and all other necessaries, for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and Mediation of Jesus Christ our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Mike Davies