Politics and Power

A number of people have said to me this week that they are reeling following last weekend’s election result. It is a great word to use for the feelings many are carrying around because it can bear an inference of excitement or devastation. You can reel with wonder or you can reel after being punched!

The differences in response are not unexpected across a large church where there will be different approaches to politics, different beliefs about what is best for our country and different backgrounds that have influenced our decision making. It is sometimes said that one party is more Christian or that another will bring greater benefits for Christians and I have listened to such arguments go round and round without resolution on many occasions. Such conversations demonstrate the complexity of politics and power. 

And yet, politics and power are actually quite simple for the Christian. Indeed, we know the one who is ultimately in charge of all things!

“Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.” (‭‭Psalm ‭47:6-9)‬

Now, my point here is not that we should ignore human politics or that political allegiances are ungodly—that sort of Christian triteness benefits no one. My point is that, knowing who is truly in charge and knowing the ultimate future for all things, helps us temper our response and reaction to the ups and downs of human politics. For as much power as politicians may think they have, there is another who really does rule and who will hold them (and us) to account.

The prayer for government in the Anglican prayer book reflects all this. It calls us to pray for the government of the day, and we pray the same thing no matter who governs. It covers all matters encased in human politics effortlessly, as though the problem of the world isn’t government, and the hope of the world is found elsewhere. 

Why not pray it today?

Most gracious God, ruler of all the nations, we pray for the parliaments of this State and Commonwealth now assembled; direct and prosper all their work to the advancement of your glory, and the safety and welfare of this country; so that peace and happiness, truth and justice, may be established among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.