God of our shared life,
in days of political tension,
when fear is amplified
and difference is turned into a threat,
hold us steady.

Where hate and division are used
to win approval, power, or promotion,
cut through the noise with your truth.
Make us alert to scapegoating,
and stubborn in our refusal to join in.

We pray for those who feel targeted or unsafe.
Wrap them in your protection,
and make your people a shelter –
practical, faithful, and brave.

We pray for all who hold office
and all who shape public conversation:
give integrity over ambition,
wisdom over slogans,
and courage to serve the common good.

Jesus, teach us your way:
justice without cruelty,
truth without contempt,
and love that does not look away. Amen.

God of justice –
minded to those considered least –
we lament the state of our country
and the poor decisions that have led us to where we are.

We deplore the direction that means so many people go without,
where families are unable to afford food or essentials for living,
and recognise the terrible state we are in as the rich get richer
and the rest get poorer through shameful disadvantage and neglect.

As the country awaits new leadership,
we pray that your powerful wisdom
will ricochet through those with earthly power
so that the world of our politics may be transformed
and earthly self-centred struggles for power may be shattered.

We long for change and we commit ourselves to a better future,
recognising when we have been complicit or silent.
Give us strength to stand with those who are marginalised
and fill us with your Spirit of justice and liberation
so we may be change-makers for those you love and cherish.

In hope and belief, we pray. Amen.

© Gary Hopkins 2022

Don’t mix politics and church they said,
so I left him at the door.
I crossed the name I liked
folded the piece of paper,
and posted it, dutifully.

Don’t talk politics at church they said,
so I left him at the door.
I sang the hymns,
said the prayers
and listened, dutifully.

Don’t think politics in church they said,
so I left him at the door.
I ignored the news,
dismissed the issues,
and nodded, dutifully.

It’s not politics they said
as I stepped over him at the door.
It’s not politics which made him hungry, homeless, or thirsty.
I’d left him at the door.

© Gary Hopkins 2022