A Prayer for the New Zealand General Election

words Major Nicki Dutton

Sovereign God, we pray for all those who would seek to lead our beautiful country. May their focus be on kotahitanga (unity). Grant them wisdom, integrity and compassion that looks beyond personal ambition or political victory to the wellbeing of all people.

May our politicians uphold the covenant on which our country is founded and view it with the same regard that You do. For those elected to govern, give them the courage to make decisions that are right rather than merely popular. Help them to pursue justice, love mercy and walk humbly before You. May they be leaders who listen carefully, act fairly and use their authority to serve rather than to be served.
For those in power who serve You, protect them in the battle as they live out kingdom values in service to You and our country.

We pray especially for those who are often overlooked when decisions are made: the poor, the lonely, the sick, the unemployed, the homeless and those whose voices are seldom heard. May their needs be seen, their mana upheld and their concerns taken seriously.
Guide us also as citizens. Guard us from dissention, envy, hate and corruption. Teach us to disagree graciously, to seek truth and to care for one another across political differences.

Amen.

Kia rahi atu tō mātou aroha ki a Koe
Let our love for Thee increase,

Kia kore rawa ō manaakitanga e mutu
May Thy blessings never cease,

Homai te pukahu, homai te rangimārie
Give us plenty, give us peace,

E Te Atua, whakawaowao tō mātou
whenua herekore

God defend our free land.

Te reo translation for verse 4 of God Defend New Zealand by Ken Te Tau.