Prayer written for the upcoming 2025 Federal election by Claire Harvey
Creator God, Life-giving Spirit, Precious Jesus -
Grant us wisdom in these troubling times
as we steward our vote in service of our broader community,
especially those among us who are most vulnerable.
We commit our candidates to you, recognising their courage in putting themselves forward and their clear desire to work for change. Be at work within them, opening their ears, eyes and hearts to the needs of their constituents, including those who cannot yet vote, but who will inherit the world we leave behind.
Help us to communicate the urgency we feel, around not just our increasingly threatened climate, but our threatened ecosystems, too. Let us bravely name the reality of our critical dependence upon the natural world. You made this world good, and tasked us with caring for it, but we confess that we have too often failed in this aspect of our stewardship, habitually choosing what is comfortable, expedient and cheap, over what is just, and good, and right.
Our safety, our freedom, and our capacity to flourish as households and communities hinges on the health of our planet, both now and into the future. Move us out of our comfort zones, in paying proper attention to issues of genuine significance, and in calling for bold climate solutions in response.
Where deep tensions flare, stir in us abundant grace and compassion, that we might turn toward one another, and toward the beautiful world you loved into being, rather than being driven apart by cynicism, hatred and fear.
And as we sift the noise of this campaign season, gift us with discernment that we might identify candidates of good character, ones who will make skilled and suitable leaders, worthy of the task set before them. Draw us into meaningful engagement and respectful dialogue, that we might learn together, and through collective effort bring positive influence to these election outcomes, beyond just how we vote on the day.
Lord hear our cries, for all your people and for the whole earth.
Amen.
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Please credit Claire Harvey when sharing this prayer.
Claire Harvey and her two children attempt to ‘live lightly’ upon Bunarong land, in Melbourne’s South East. She co-authored A Climate of Hope: Church & Mission in a Warming World (a decade ago) and is an active member of The Village Church community in Mount Eliza. Claire also serves on the Ethos and CoPower boards, and was an elected councillor for Frankston City between 2020 and 2024. Claire finds deep joy out in her backyard veggie garden, as well as journeying alongside others as a vocational & climate conscious coach.