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A litany for use during an election campaign

Lord of every time and place, God of integrity and truth,
we pray for wisdom as we prepare to vote in the Federal election.

Let us give thanks to God, saying, 'we thank you, Lord'.

For this land and the diversity of its peoples,
we thank you, Lord.

For all who work for peace and justice in this land,
we thank you, Lord.

For leaders who serve the common good,
we thank you, Lord.

For robust democracy and freedom to participate in public life,
we thank you, Lord.

For media scrutiny and open debate,
we thank you, Lord.

Let us pray to the Lord, saying, 'Hear us, good Lord'.

Bless those who administer the electoral process,
that they may uphold fairness, honesty and truth.
Hear us, good Lord.

Impart your wisdom to all who propose policy,
that their promises may serve those in greatest need.
Hear us, good Lord.

Give integrity to party leaders, candidates and campaign workers,
and keep them from deceit and corruption.
Hear us, good Lord.

Protect all engaged in public life, with their families, friends and colleagues,
that nothing may demean or do them harm.
Hear us, good Lord.

Direct those who influence opinion through the media,
that we may listen, speak and vote with sound minds.
Hear us, good Lord.

The Litany concludes with one or both of these prayers:

Lord of every time and place, God beyond our dreaming,
we pray for wisdom as we prepare to vote in the Federal election.
Give us a Parliament committed to the priorities of your kingdom,
so that peace, compassion, truth and justice may prevail among us,
and make us a blessing to all peoples, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God, bless Australia,
guard our people
guide our leaders
and give us peace;
for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

View/download a printable version of this litany. (pdf file)

Prayer request from the Bishop of Riverina

I write to ask for your ongoing prayerful support for the people of our Diocese as the drought drags on. Late autumn rains were promising and consistent and on that basis winter crops were sown. There were hopes of a return to a more normal weather pattern and easing of the drought. Since planting however the expected follow-up rains have not arrived and if this continues for another fortnight the crops will be be declared a failure and stock will be turned in on them. The position of irrigation farmers is just as precarious with the government not allowing any water distribution for the foreseeable future. The effect upon diary farmers, fruit and wine producers is immense as the lack of water threatens the viability of their industries. Trees, vines and cattle die without water.

The effect of this upon the farmers financially is bad enough but the emotional toll is immense. I know that many of you are in similarly placed rural Dioceses and understand the situation. Please be assured of our prayerful support for you. Our Anglican communities are encouraged by the development of companion relationships with coastal parishes and are beginning to appreciate koinonia, the gift of being part of the wider church. They are coming to also realise that coastal Anglicans also face huge difficulties and challenges in living out Christian hope in their contexts.

Please contact your parishes and ask for their continued prayerful support of

• our farmers and their families
• our rural communities who struggle to maintain their energy and the services needed to keep community going
• our faith communities who are mandated to speak hop to their local communities

In Christ's love

The Rt Rev Dr Doug Stevens
Bishop of Riverina
PO Box 10 Narrandera 2700
0269591648 (office)

In time of drought, flood or bushfire

All things look to you, O Lord,
to give them their food in due seasons:
look in mercy on your people,
and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions are threatened by drought.

In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land.
So guide and bless your people,
that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth
and give you thanks with grateful hearts,
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Rain

God our heavenly Father
through your Son you promised
to those seeking first your kingdom
and your righteousness
all things necessary for bodily welfare:

send us, we pray, in this time of need,
rain to water the earth,
that we may receive its produce
to strengthen and sustain us
and always praise you for your bounty;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Acknowledgement for both prayers: A Prayer Book for Australia/Broughton Books 1999/Sydney/Page 205

View/download these prayers as a printable pdf.

A call to prayer...

Here is the final instalment in our A call to prayer series (2004). Click here to view the full list of pages.

Seeking the ministry we need

A call to prayer - Prayer and fasting

How to pray...

Personal story: Prayer - expect God to do the unexpected

Read...

Prayers for Port Arthur
by Bishop Phillip.