In 1993 the people of South Africa adopted a Constitution that spells out how we shall live together in this Republic. Not a perfect constitution, but as good a place to start as any. Thankfully we can reform it as we go.

On the 29th of May, the Constitution reminds us that we have a job to do: to select a few people, out of many contestants, who will look after our State affairs, while we do whatever it is we each have to do. Not an easy or enviable choice to be sure, but someone has to do it. Many are at a loss about which candidates to choose.  It is the way of all democracies.

Thankfully, St Paul has our back! He reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”” (Phi 4:6)

So let us pray:

Sovereign God, we are grateful that you have a plan and purpose for our Republic and its people: black and white, and all in between.

We are grateful for the parties and independents that wish to offer themselves to serve us as our elected officials.

We lament that all have sinned against God and against us. Some in recent times, since 1994, as described by the Zondo Commission, and some before then in the years of apartheid. Some are new and have not had opportunity to sin against Your people, but we suspect they will, when opportunity presents itself. Deliver them from evil and turn their hearts toward the common good.

We pray that you will guide our nation in the choice we have to make in these elections, so that Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

We pray that beyond the elections, we will be strengthened to organise for accountable governance in our local, provincial and national life. So that government officials may be reminded of their vocation: to serve Your people, and not themselves.

For Yours is the power and the glory for ever and ever.

Amen.