Prayer written after the 2025 Federal election by Gershon Nimbalker

 

Gracious God,
We come to you with hearts full of gratitude.

We give thanks for the peace and calm that have marked this election—
For the grace with which the Opposition Leader has accepted the outcome,
And for the warmth and generosity shown in response by the Prime Minister.
In a world often torn by division,
We give thanks for a democratic process marked by dignity.

We thank you, too, for all those who serve—or seek to serve—in public life:
For their willingness to carry the weight of responsibility,
To wrestle with complexity,
And to make decisions that shape the lives of millions.
Grant them wisdom. Grant them humility.

We pray for this new government—
That it may govern with compassion for all people in this land and beyond it.
That it would be inclusive and courageous,
Pursuing what is right and just.
May its concern be not for privilege or power,
But for the well-being of all whom it is called to serve.

We pray for wisdom, discernment, and bold action
As our elected leaders face the justice issues close to the heart of our Common Grace community.

We pray that they would use their power to bring about justice
And true reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—
That the gap would be closed,
That the truth of our history would be acknowledged,
That their voices would be heard,
And their cultures and communities honoured and celebrated.

We pray for a spirit of hospitality towards those seeking refuge—
That our nation might be generous, open-hearted, and grounded in compassion.

We pray for bold and urgent action on the climate crisis—
That we would be stewards of creation, not just consumers of it.

We pray for all women and children facing domestic and family violence—
That our leaders would pursue safety, provide support,
And help shape a culture of dignity, equality, and respect.

And we pray for our movement.
Stir in us a holy imagination.
Give us boldness to speak truth with love.
Help us to embody your grace as we call for a vision
Where every person—and all of creation—flourishes,
Just as you intend.
Amen.

___________________________________________

 

Please credit Gershon Nimbalker when sharing this prayer.

Gershon Nimbalker is Common Grace's National Director and is well known and deeply respected across the Christian social justice and aid sector in Australia, having worked for more than 15 years in advocacy, policy and research, as well as leading and growing grassroots movements to campaign on issues of social justice. During his time as the Advocacy Manager for Baptist World Aid Gershon helped lead the development of Baptist World Aid's Ethical Fashion Report and the Electronic Industry Trends Report. Gershon has also more recently been founder and Managing Director of Sojourners Social Change Consultants, working with numerous Christian development organisations both in Australia and overseas. Gershon lives on Awabakal Country, Newcastle, with his wife Naomi and young family, attending Hamilton Baptist Church.