Praying through the shaking of politics

Historically, our parliamentary democracy has been hugely influenced by Christianity. The necessity of the Bible for good government is reflected in the words of Psalm 127 being inscribed in the floor of the central lobby in the Palace of Westminster: ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labour in vain.’

As we digest the results of the general election, and think about our new political context, it’s important to press the pause button for a moment in order to consider what God might be doing – and what our response in prayer might be. From within the Westminster bubble Christians MPs, Peers, staff from across the party and denominational divides are trying to discern God’s will in these turbulent times of judgment and blessing.

Prior to the election, Parliament was shaken to the foundations by the expenses scandal. Following the election, we now have an unlikely coalition government seeking to deliver dual manifesto pledges in the face of huge economic difficulties. In the words of Jerry Lee Lewis, ‘There’s a whole lot of shaking going on.’ In politics, as elsewhere, it seems that what can be shaken is being shaken.

However, ‘since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire.”’ (Hebrews 12: 28-29). So, through the many weekly prayer meetings at Westminster and during the annual Week of Prayer for Parliament & Government (5-11 June), the Christian community is praying for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done. Understanding that all authority comes from God, we are trusting him for good outcomes from the present ‘shaking’ – in the new Parliament and in the new government.

As more and more Christians understand political engagement in missional terms, we are thankful for a number of great results for Christian candidates in the general election. These reflect the ongoing increase (yes, increase!) of salt and light in politics generally. We are thankful for the arrival of believers such as Gavin Shuker MP (Labour) in Luton South, Nicola Blackwood MP (Conservative) in Oxford, and Fiona Bruce MP (Conservative) in Congleton – to name but a few.

We are also thankful that we had nearly all the Christian MPs standing retain their seats, and we are praying for peace and guidance for the small number those that failed to get re-elected: Andy Reed (Labour in Loughborough), David Drew (Labour) in Stroud, and John Mason (Scottish National Party) in Glasgow East. We are grateful to God that a number of Christian MPs are assuming ministerial responsibilities in the new government. We are praying that they will maintain prayer and fellowship in their demanding new roles; that they would stay close to Jesus; and that they would be effective, influential and fruitful for His Kingdom.

In the difficult times ahead for the country our prayers are that the new Prime Minister would be directed by the Lord in his decisions; that the new coalition government will be united in purpose while it lasts. Alongside this, we have a clear priority in our prayers that the reform process in the Labour Party would result in more Christian influence and that the secular humanist agenda would decrease. This is vitally important for the future role of Christianity in our political culture generally.

For Parliament and government in this nation, in faith we repeat the prayer of Habakkuk during the shaking of Israel: ‘LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.’


Dr David Landrum is Senior Parliamentary Officer for Bible Society, and Executive Administrator for Christians in Parliament.