Power and the Kingdom

We have had a number of meetings between world leaders in the last few days; the G7 in Cornwall, President Biden meeting Boris Johnson and then President Putin. We need leaders, politicians who are prepared to take decisions, hopefully for the common good. And it is not just the prime ministers and presidents; our own members of Parliament also do us an essential service by debating the affairs of our nation. Each day, before parliamentary business begins, the chaplain to the speaker says a short prayer in the house of commons. It reminds MPs and ourselves that the exercise of power is necessary and can be a force for good, if it is done for the benefit of those MPs serve and not themselves. This sacrificial power is that was exercised by Jesus and underpins the kingdom he proclaimed.

“Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen and her government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of your Spirit. May they never lead the nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may your kingdom come and your name be hallowed. Amen.”