Prayers for the elections

Britain goes to the polls today, 5 May, in the biggest set of elections to be held, outside of a general election, for many years. The following elections will be taking place: Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland Assembly, Local council elections in England, Mayor of London and London Assembly and the Police and crime commissioner elections. The following prayers (slightly adapted) were published by the Church of England before the 2010 elections.

Prayers before the elections

1.

Loving God,
Thank you for caring about how our countries and cities are run, and that we have the right to vote for our politicians and government.
But in the run-up to these elections there are so many policies to understand, and so many different points of view to consider -
Sometimes I wonder whether there's any point in voting, whether anyone cares what I think.
As I choose who I am going to vote for,
help me not to be cynical about politics and politicians,
help me to remember that my vote can make a difference,
and help me vote for those people who will protect the poor and vulnerable,
and do all they can to make our world a place of fairness and peace.
Because you call us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you, our God.

2.

Heavenly Father
source of all truth and wisdom, who knows and loves the whole creation,
watch over us at election time:
that truth may prevail over distortion,
wisdom triumph over recklessness
and the concerns of every person be heard.

Lord Jesus,
who chose the way of the cross in the Garden of Gethsemane,
help us to turn our backs on self interest
and to support policies that sustain the poor and vulnerable.

Holy Spirit,
who brought understanding among myriad peoples and languages at Pentecost,
give to all your people a passion for peace
and inspire us to work for unity and co-operation in our life together.

Amen.

Source: Church of England