words2encourage

Last Friday the High Court ruled that Bideford Town Council was breaking the law by having prayers at the beginning of its meetings. The case had been bought by the National Secular Society against Bideford Town Council after one of the councillors, who is an atheist, had complained of the practise.

For those of us who are practising Christians the result is disappointing. There has been much debate over the weekend regarding this ruling and some well known Christians such as Lord Carey have spoken of the marginalisation of the Christian faith in the UK.

So how should Christians respond to this ruling? Some might wish to appeal against this ruling and attempt to get it reversed.  However I think the best way to respond is to follow Paul’s instructions in his first letter to Timothy.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgiving be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence towards God and with proper conduct.” I Timothy 2:1-2 (GNB)

Town councils may no longer be able to open their meetings in prayer but there’s nothing stopping us praying for our councils in our church meetings, housegroup meetings or our own private prayer times.  In fact if we all do that then the result will be an increase in the amount of prayer for our councils and that can only be a good thing!

Related posts:

1. Trials of Biblical Studies
2. Theological and Pastoral Response to the Tragedy in Haiti
3. Collect Prayers during Lent

Filed under: Prayer