Praying for our Country

Monday came and went in Canada, and with it, a change in the configuration of our federal government. I’m not sure how you feel about it, but you can be sure that whatever you feel, there are others who feel the exact opposite of you. It just seems like political polarization has been a constant theme in the last few years, making it hard for us to be united.

Regardless of the election results, I know that my first allegiance isn’t to Canada or any nation-state. Let me be clear: I’m so thankful that my parents immigrated to Canada to allow my brothers and I the chance to grow up in this country. Although I recognize this isn’t everyone’s experience in Canada, I have been so privileged by the opportunities and freedoms I have been granted. I consider it to be a gift to live in this democratic society. And yet, while I don’t take my place in Canada for granted, I know that this isn’t my only citizenship.

As a Christian, I must always remember that there’s a higher power that I report to who’s in control of creation no matter what earthly power might be in charge. The kingdom of God exists across space and time. It’s there that I find my true identity. No government is above God. In fact, I believe it’s the Church’s responsibility to constantly hold our governments to account and to push for justice and peace in the world.

We may have hoped for different results this past week, but the government we have now is the government we’ll have until we vote again. And even if we disagree about different political platforms, the Church needs to bond together to pray for God’s will to be done in our nation. As divided as the Church may be, when we pray as one, we submit ourselves together to God’s wisdom and ask God to work in our country for the betterment of His world.

It’s with that sentiment that I offer this prayer for Canada and invite us to pray together for our country.

Creator God, ruler of the heavens and the earth,

Before the creation of the world, there was only you. You spoke the universe into being through peace and love, breathing life into all that is. There’s none that compares to you and nothing that’s hidden from you. There’s no power greater than you, and no human imagination that can outdo your divine creativity. You are our sustainer and there’s no way that leads to life outside of you.

We thank you that even though we've walked away from you so many times, you’ve still chosen to partner with us so that your healing and hope may flow to the world. Over and over again, you’ve chosen the weak and the marginalized to do your work in order to show us that you’re the one who’s really in control. 

As we trust in you and follow your call to walk in the way of life, we know that we can’t do it apart from your gracious and merciful hand that guides us. We need you in our lives to give us wisdom to know how to love this world as you’ve loved us. Transform us evermore into the likeness of Jesus Christ for the glory of your kingdom.

We thank you for Canada. Although our history is marred with oppression and violence, we’re blessed to call this place our home. We’re so privileged to experience religious, political, and personal freedom in a world where that isn’t guaranteed. We also give thanks for the systems of education, medical care, and social assistance that support our communities and family life.

We pray today for the leaders of our country. We’ve elected them into positions of power for the sake of the greater good of our nation and world. Remind us that you see the world so differently from us and that our understandings of prosperity and success are often not the way you want us to live. Give us humility to learn how to live faithfully.

Thank you for my local Member of Parliament. They need your wisdom and understanding. They need your guidance and strength. We pray that you would lead them in the way of hope and justice and that they would represent our riding with honesty and integrity. 

Thank you for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He needs your wisdom, understanding, guidance, and strength more than ever. As he seeks to lead our country, we pray that he would recognize that you are the one true God and final authority. We pray that he would listen to the people and work for the common good that will lead Canada to be a flourishing nation and a beacon of hope to a suffering world. 

We pray for our place in this country. Lead us and guide us in the way that leads to life. Give us wisdom and understanding to follow the ways you call us to walk. Give us your strength and perseverance to stand up to our elected officials when they choose to act with injustice, greed, violence, and power. May we always work for your will rather than our own desires. May we see the world as you see it so that we will practice love for our neighbours.

Wake us from our apathy and lead us on the path of reconciliation, healing, and justice. Above all, we pray that your will would be done here in Canada as it is in heaven, to the glory of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.