Prayer for Council / Councillors

Councillor Olwyn Luckley writes

May 12th 2009

The importance of prayer and intercession is such, that I've spent some time thinking how best I can contribute to the thought that you and our fellow Chrisitians are giving to supporting the members of the two Councils (City and County) and the staff that operate the local government services for Carlisle and the surrounding district.

Can I first outline what I see as the situation that the Councils and those involved are facing.

1) Council Direction/ Wisdom

The recession is affecting many of those living in our area. I don't need to tell you that low income is common, affecting pensioners, workers and those who are facing unemployment. The unemployed are young people, single parents, and those who have been in employment and now lost their jobs, but still have to look after their families.

The two Councils are engaged in trying to work out how best they can help. So firstly, prayer is needed to direct them on how they can best do that.

The Councils.have limited resources and abilities to change the situation for those who are suffering. Prayer is needed to find ways in which the Councils can intercede and support..

2) Working together

The two Councils work with various partners to improve health, education, housing issues, civil harmony and prosperity for our area. Those partners are the Health Authorities, Community Groups, Businesses and the Police.
Prayers for successful working between these groups are especially needed at this time.

3) Finance

a) Both Councils are facing a limiting situation in regard to finance. The national government's predicament means that it is probable that the financial support from them will change radically from what was previously the case. The resources that the Councils do have and receive, must be used to the best advantage for our community and prayer for the wisdom to make the right choices are needed.

b) As you may have seen in the local press, the City Council has to address budget sustainablity. That means that within the present financial restrictions, the Council has to consider how it can carry out its statutory obligations and the discretionary services that it at present supports.

The City Council has statutory responsibilities for housing, health and the environment. But many of the community activities it carries out, it has chosen to be involved with.

On behalf of the area and its citizens, budget sustainability means that difficult decisions will have to be taken by members of the Council in the coming months, which will affect services and those involved. Prayer for those making the decisions is needed.

4) Christian Staff/ Councillors

There are Chrisitians who are either Staff or Councillors. Their faith should influence their contribution to the Council's work. Prayer for them is needed.

5) June elections

The coming June elections for the County Council. Prayers for those who are successful in being elected. This is an opportunity for supporting them in working together, whatever their Political Party allegiance, towards an harmonious effort for those they represent.

6) People of Carlisle

Hard times cause people to focus on what is valuable in life and hopefully these present difficulties will awaken a recognition that many have forgotten or not known.

Pray for a fulfilling future as Christ taught; that we who were made in his image, should love Him and our neighbours.

Yours, in His service,
Olwyn