For Lawmakers

Righteous Lawgiver,you have created us for yourself,and you’ve charted the path to flourishing.You are the Way and the Destination.You are holy on your throne, resplendent with glory,ruling by a perfect lawand presiding over an eternal kingdom free from sin.But Capitol Hill is unlike your throne room.

You don’t need to whip votes or eek out a majority,being perfectly sovereignand unchallenged in your rule.You don’t have to compromiseor choose between the lesser of two evils,ruling with perfect righteousness and justice.You don’t need to schmooze to win votesand secure reelection,reigning eternally without challengers.You don’t lie, spin, or manipulate in back-room dealsto get your way,blamelessly governing with incorruptible power.

Give wisdom to our fallen leaders legislatingin a fallen world,so that they might manage sin-caused chaoswith dignity and skill.Direct their steps so they can direct a diverse countrytoward flourishing and goodwill and peace.Give them insight into the needs of their constituentsand courage to lead in light of what they see,so they might serve out of loveinstead of performing for their own gain.Give them favor among their colleagues,so they might earn and carefully steward trustand negotiate in good faith.And when they disagree on the best way forward,may they model gentleness, respect, and humility,creatively compromising to bring about the good of the public.Strengthen them for long, hard days,and bless the work of their hands.

Thank you for those who serve their constituentswith humility and skill.And thank you for our representative, Jesus,whose mediation before you doesn’t just manage our sinand make the best of brokenness—whose purifying work cleanses us from the inside outso that we stand pure and righteous before you,fit for your coming kingdom.May we walk in obedience to the Law of Christ,in whom we live and move and have our being,and in whom we pray.

Amen