Political prayer

A friend (my son's godfather), asked for some thoughts on prayers he was rostered to make at his church's morning gathering.

They were to touch on:

1. the forthcoming Australian referendum regarding the formation of what would amount to a third house of parliament and a formal constitutionally significant consultative body for the executive government, and
2. the needs of refugees.

I offered the following thoughts: 

Referendum

We pray for the forthcoming referendum that whatever the outcome, opportunities for the gospel in remote places will arise and that our brothers and sisters who live in such places will be able to proclaim your word with effect and bring your salt and light to communities where people have no hope.

[I think anything more might be too political, and as a church I don't think we care much about politics except that the gospel is able to flourish and people hear it meaningfully and turn to Christ in repentance.]

Refugees

We pray for those fleeing persecution and war. Particularly for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We ask that your church in all places will be hospitable to those who are persecuted and that we might effectively make representations to the government on behalf of those fleeing persecution because of their Christian faith; that they may find succor in this land.

We also pray that the difficult task for refugees in coming to grips with the disparate cultures of their hosts will be eased by their faith in you, and those who have not turned to you in repentance and belief may hear your gospel and be obedient to it.

Later I added:

Oh, and another theme to bring in: "Paul teaches us to persevere in times of our momentary light affliction. We pray that your indwelling Spirit equips your saints in difficult circumstances, whether here or abroad, to be faithful witnesses to your grace and power and to be encouraged despite their circumstances as he world sees them, to continue to grow in grace and in communicating your gospel."