Bishops prayer for MPs as Cameron and Clegg inch towards historic deal

The Bishop of Chichester, the Rt Rev John Hind, has issued a prayer for newly elected MPs in which he stresses the need for them to work for the good of all.

The extent of differences between David Cameron and Nick Clegg were laid bare over the weekend as power-sharing negotiations continued.

The Tories and Lib Dems differ over their stance on a range of issues, including the economy, tax and political reform.

Chancellor Alistair Darling told the BBC that the two parties should decide today “if there is a deal or no deal”.

The Christian Institute and CARE are calling on Christians to pray for the party leaders as they continue negotiations.

“We would also urge Christians to pray for our Queen as she exercises her constitutional duties at this time,” said the Christian Institute’s Humphrey Dobson.

Bishop Hind’s prayer focuses on the protection of newly elected MPs.

He said: “Keep them safe, preserve them from all that may threaten them and give them your grace to work for the good of all.”

The Christian Institute plans to make available the voting track records of all MPs on moral issues.

The Bishop of Croydon, the Rt Rev Nick Baines, called on the public to show a “new respect and encouragement” for those in public office, following the anger surrounding last year’s expenses scandal.

Speaking on BBC Radio 2 last week, he said: “If we want better politicians and better government, then we must be prepared not only to criticise them when they foul it up, but also to recognise when they get it right.

“Whatever the final shape of our government, we know that we will now be facing some tough times. But we can at least resolve to encourage those who face the tough and often costly task of representing us and making hard decisions – and not just holding them to account.

“When bishops are ordained they are encouraged to ‘exercise justice with mercy’ – that’s not a bad phrase to use for our politicians, too.”

Bishop Hind’s prayer:
O God, you have created everything and everyone.
In Christ you have redeemed us, and through your Spirit you make holy all you have made; Bless, we pray you, all chosen to serve us in public office and especially the MPs of Sussex.
Keep them safe, preserve them from all that may threaten them and give them your grace to work for the good of all.
We ask this through Jesus Christ the Lord of all.
Amen