Prayer
James 5:16 says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (KJV)
The Amplified translation says, “The earnest (heartfelt, continuous) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available Рdynamic in it’s working.”
Jesus said in John 16:24, “…ask and receive, that your joy may be full.”
Promises like these are a deliberate invitation from God for us to call upon Him for  His blessing and intervention in the affairs of man. Prayer is the vehicle God has chosen to step across the threshold of possibilities and make anything possible for him who believes.
Jesus said in Mark 9:23, “… all things are possible to him that believeth.” (KJV)
Reflect on the Nature of God
God has no equal and no opposite! He is God and God alone! Trust in Him. In the book of Daniel He is referred to as the “Most High” 11 times. He is the Supreme, All -Knowing, All РPowerful and Omnipresent God of heaven and earth.
Exodus 5:11,1  says, “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? “ (KJV)
Concerning His wisdom Proverbs 8:15-17 says, “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (KJV)
In Ps 46:10, God exhorts us, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Reflect on Him.
Praying for your MLA
Remember that your MLAs are normal people with high-pressure jobs, families, children, daily needs and concerns. Pray for them as you yourself would want to be prayed for. The world has many ways of bringing distraction, temptation and trial; obviously endeavouring to divert us from walking in God’s best for our lives.
For those who don’t yet have a personal relationship with Christ, pray that they may know the Saviour, the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ personally and in all His fullness. Pray that they may be guided with His wisdom in all decision-making.
1 Р1 Tim 2:1-4 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 – For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 – For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 – Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (KJV)
Pray that the grace and will of God would be evident in every area of their lives. Pray for their health, for their families and their children. Pray for a proper work life balance, that they may find rest and refreshing at home, free from the stresses of political life. Pray for their safety and for the safety of their loved ones.
Praying for Wisdom
Pray for wisdom for your MLAs, Stormont staff and all who are in authority.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
No man or woman working in politics today has the comprehensive answer to every facet of the diverse needs presented to government every day, but Jesus says in Luke 11:9-10, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (KJV)
What an awesome promise!
In Jeremiah 33:3, God says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (KJV)
Pray for these other qualities: discretion, uprightness of character, integrity, understanding, compassion, sensitivity, love for the truth, strength and humility.
Praying for the Assembly
Pray that the right legislation is introduced into the Assembly for consideration and approval. Pray that all the research, statistics, evidence and reports give great insight into the areas where government can make a positive contribution to people’s lives.
Pray for the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and the Ministers who head out the different Departments, for the Committees and those who sit on them, that God would lead them by His Spirit, giving them the most innovative, compassionate, comprehensive and cost effective policies for governing Northern Ireland.
Remind God of His promises, that if we would pray for kings and for all that are in authority, He would give us the ability to “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Remind God of 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (KJV)
Thank God that His word is true and that it applies to us today!
Praying for a Spirit of Co-operation in the Assemby
Pray that the grace of God would encourage all MLAs to work together without prejudice, pride or selfish ambition, in the Spirit of Christ for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland.
Praying for Righteousnes
Deuteronomy 4:8, “And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?” (KJV)
Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (KJV)
Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (KJV)
Pray that the Assembly will enact legislation that is consistent with righteousness. Pray that it is in agreement with God’s Word. Righteousness is defined by God’s Word. It is not a concept we can redefine. Righteousness is consistent with God’s nature, His priorities and takes account of the eternal consequences of our decisions and what is best for mankind.
Praying for a Love of the Truth
John 8: 31,32, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (KJV)
Pray that our Assembly and all it’s Members will be lovers of the truth.
A great example of this in our current law is that we are the only country in the West where abortion is not available on demand. All four main parties agreed to this legislation. That is something to be very proud of, and again, a great answer to prayer!
Praying for our Nation / Fulfilling Scripture
Our monthly prayer meetings and indeed all of our activities are designed to fulfil the scriptures. What is our responsibility? Let’s look again at these three passages of scripture:
2 Chronicles 7:14 “…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (NKJV)
Promises For Our Nation
If we fulfil our part God in heaven will fulfil His part of the promises He has given us. These scriptures promise:
1 – The healing of our land
2 – That we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (free from the troubles we see enveloping so many nations).
3 – That God will have opportunity to save all men and bring them to the knowledge of the truth through our labour and prayers.
4 – That our nation would be exalted, a testimony of the grace of God to other troubled nations.
We are already seeing other nations taking hope by what they see happening in Northern Ireland. Representatives from Iraq met with representatives from Northern Ireland and with those from South Africa recently for this very reason. Our goal is to see this continue, that other nations would marvel as we declare what the Lord has done for us. The glory is God‘s!