Learning How to Pray for Governments
One of the most exciting things about planning for ENOUGH is meeting the people who have first hand experience of the issues we are praying about. A couple of months ago, we travelled to Portcullis House, the building next to the Palace of Westminster, where most Members of the UK Parliament and their staff have their offices. We were there to meet with Sir Gary Streeter MP, who has been a Member of Parliament since 1992 and was recently knighted in the Queen’s New Years Honours list.
Sir Gary is a committed Christian, and is chair of both Christians in Parliament and Christians in Politics - all-party, non-denominational groups that exist to encourage Christians to get involved with politics and support them when they do.
Gary’s top three issues
We asked Sir Gary what were the main issues that the UK parliament currently needs prayer for. These were top of his list:
Brexit: Please pray for an orderly Brexit that is good for both the UK and the European Union.
United country: Although it is called the United Kingdom, for the past couple of years the country has been experiencing greater division in our public discourse and in everyday life than perhaps ever before. Please pray that the country will become united again, across the divides of generations, urban/rural, political left/right, those who want to remain in the EU vs those who want to leave...
Public services: Please pray that the UK would find ways to invest the money that is desperately needed into crucial public services which are currently under great strain. This needs to be done in a way that is sustainable for the long-term, which will require great wisdom and skill.
The reality for Christian Politicians
As we chatted to Sir Gary while we were setting up the camera, he revealed a more personal need for many politicians, which is likely to apply across all countries: Many MPs find it very hard to go to church regularly. Sadly, even in our churches, politicians can experience opposition and argument from other believers before and after services. Or church members come to them with their political problems or questions, meaning church becomes just like any other working day. In a highly pressured job when so much hatred and vitriol is thrown at them day by day, the church should be a sanctuary, a safe place where they can feel loved and supported by the family of God. Christian fellowship, corporate worship, opportunities to give and receive prayer and encouragement are vital elements of sustaining our walk with the Lord.
Please pray that those who shoulder the burden of leading our nations would be able to find this fellowship in their home churches, and would not be kept away from weekly worship for fear of other believers.
We would like to thanks Sir Gary and his team for their support in producing this interview.