Prayer Topics

Be inspired … by the potential of the Gospel

Here is a prayer guide which you might like to use in the run-up to the election, and beyond. The material can also be downloaded as a pdf (56kb).

‘I urge, then, first of all, that request, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness’. I Timothy 2, 1 & 2

Give thanks for the freedom we enjoy in our nation and for the democratic institutions which support that freedom

Tuesday, April 3rd
Remember in prayer all the election forums being planned by churches around Scotland. Please pray that these events will bring glory to God by the way they are organised, and that as a result candidates will see the commitment which church communities have for our society.

Wednesday, April 4th
Give thanks for the democratic institutions of our country – Parliament, other levels of government, the law; pray that our society would cherish its freedom.

Thursday, April 5th
Pray for the Civil Service, responsible for administering Government fairly, irrespective of which political party is in power; may individuals –especially those at the highest levels - honour the responsibilities they have.

Friday, April 6th
Give thanks for local councillors, many of whom have sacrificially served their communities over many years.

Saturday, April 7th
Give thanks for the people who administer local services, especially those doing stressful jobs, and those in the caring professions.

Easter Sunday, April 8th
Give thanks for the resurrection of Jesus. May the reality and significance of the resurrection have impact today both on believers and on those who do not yet believe.


Remembering specific issues important to Christians, that these are upheld in the term of the new Parliament

Monday, April 9th
For respect for human life, particularly at the beginning and end of life.

Tuesday, April 10th
For the protection of freedom of religious expression.

Wednesday, April 11th
For policies which will encourage family stability and promote responsible parenting.

Thursday, April 12th
For an effective system of crisis pregnancy counselling, and increased recognition of the impact of post-abortion grief.

Friday, April 13th
Encouraging the introduction into schools of programmes of sex education which encourage abstinence and emphasise the importance of committed relationships.

Saturday, April 14th
For policies on homelessness which recognise the need to rebuild family and community relationships of anyone who becomes homeless.

Sunday, April 15th
Seeking to deal with human trafficking, the modern day equivalent of slavery.


Praying for the leaders of the established  political parties, that they may lead their parties with dignity and with a principal desire to serve the nation

Monday, April 16th
Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Party

Tuesday, April 17th
Robin Harper, Scottish Green Party

Wednesday, April 18th
Jack McConnell, Scottish Labour Party

Thursday, April 19th
Nicol Stephen, Scottish Liberal Democrats

Friday, April 20th
Alex Salmond, Scottish National Party

Saturday, April 21st
John Swinburn, Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Party

Sunday, April 22nd
Colin Fox, Scottish Socialist Party


Remembering Christians who live out their faith in the political arena

Monday, April 23rd
Pray for Christians involved in politics, who want to live out their faith in the public square; may they know the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they have inevitably to face up to dilemmas of conscience versus political expediency.

Tuesday, April 24th
Pray particularly for those politicians featured on the Make the Cross Count DVD, who speak so honestly about their desire to be true to their faith – Helena Brackenridge, Murdo Fraser, Karen Gillon, Gordon Macdonald, Michael McMahon, Andrew Welsh.

Wednesday, April 25th
Remember the Scottish Christian People’s Alliance and its leader Theresa Smith; may they be effective in bringing a new perspective to Scottish politics, and one which will catch the imagination of the electorate.

Thursday, April 26th
Remember the Scottish Christian Party and its leader George Hargreaves; pray that their distinctive message would help to bring people to a greater understanding of what Biblical values can add to our society.

Friday, April 27th
Ask the Lord to reward the genuine intention of Christians who desire to be ‘salt and light’ in society through political involvement; pray that their words and deeds, as well as the policies they promote, will give glory to God.

Saturday, April 28th
Around two out of three of the Scottish population professed to being Christian in the 2001 census. Pray that their faith may influence them as they consider how to vote on 3rd May.

Sunday, April 29th
Pray for the Christian community in Scotland that it may get a new revelation of how it can bring blessing to our nation through a positive involvement with the political process.


Election Week

Monday, April 30th
Pray for electoral returning officers as they prepare for election day on 3rd May, especially as they are having to cope with two elections on the same day, one of which uses a new system of election.

Tuesday, May 1st
We pray for honesty in the political process, that all parties and candidates will not seek to mislead the electorate in any way.

Wednesday, May 2nd
Pray that Christian voters will reflect seriously on how they can use their votes most wisely.

Thursday, May 3rd - Election Day
Give thanks again for the privilege of being in a country which has free and democratic elections.

Friday, May 4th
Lord, we ask that all the candidates elected today to Parliament and to councils will recognise their role as servants to their communities.

Saturday, May 5th
We remember especially Christians who have been elected. Please give them grace and boldness as they work out their faith in the political arena.

Sunday, May 6th
We pray for each of our churches, that they may be responsible, constructive, and grace-filled as they develop relationships with newly-elected local representatives.

Monday, May 7th
Please consider continuing to pray for our society, and in particular your newly-elected MSPs and councillors, that they may have wisdom as they take on these important responsibilities.

CARE produces a quarterly Prayer Guide which suggests vital topics to pray for as you seek to intercede for our society. To get your regular copy of the Prayer Guide please phone CARE’s supporter helpline on 08453 100 244.