Post Election Prayer

When I was a child, my father showed me the statue of Boudicca outside the Houses of Parliament. 

Being Dad, that meant he told me her story, and the importance of freedom, and justice - and the significance of the statue being by "the Mother of Parliaments". He told me that there was a time when people like me [a Baptist and a female] would have been denied the vote, and that brave men and women had fought for suffrage. He talked about democracy, integrity and truth. And he reminded me that even if we didn't agree with what our politicians were doing, we had a duty to pray for them. That they would have wisdom and grace to make right decisions, putting the good of the people above the advancement of themselves and their party. And that God would bless our nation.

When Rosie was born in St Thomas' Hospital, I carried her in my arms to the window and looked across the river to the Palace of Westminster. I whispered to her that when she was older I would take her to see Boudicca, and tell her of the importance of democracy and justice. And the privilege we have of being able to vote. She opened her eyes and looked up at me. Only a few hours old, how on earth would she understand what this batty grandma was saying? But it mattered to me. I was delighted to hear from Liz on Thursday that at Nursery, Jess and her friends were having an election too!

Bob and I stayed up till 5.30am on Friday morning [a perk of retirement!] We drank tea as they began to fall like dominoes - Shapps, Mordaunt, Keegan, Rees Mogg...we heard Rishi concede defeat and listened to Keir's victory speech. We watched amazed and excited LibDems and Greens winning seats. Then we went to bed [and woke up later to find Truss had gone too...] Parliament has turned over a new page - and there are fresh challenges ahead. I remember my Dad's words 60 years ago. And so I pray

Lord bless this new Government

Bless all those, of whatever party,

who have been elected to serve

Give them your wisdom

Help them fight for justice, 

to work for the underprivileged

the lost, the least, and the lowest

to care for our nation 

and our land

Bless those who have lost their seats

Help them find new purpose

and new ways to serve

Encourage all those behind the scenes

who worked so hard during the Election season

- especially those who feel defeated and uncertain

Thank you for the men and women of integrity

those who put the good of people first

who demonstrate morality and honesty

in their actions as well as their words

And we pray for our new Prime Minister

as he takes up this new role

We remember his wife and family

facing all the upheaval ahead

as they move into a new home

and into the public eye

In a world where many people are oppressed

Denied a vote and a voice

Never let us take our democracy for granted

And help each of us, whoever we are

To play our part in our communities

bringing the change our society needs

that Britain may become a better place

AMEN