As 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” It warms my heart that these words are spoken in Parliament, but I suspect that is probably because I am a superficial human. I would truly love every politician to say and believe these words as they begin every day of public service. These are all concepts that I deeply believe. They refer to politicians as servants of God whose goal is to advance God’s glory, God’s kingdom and the welfare of the Australians they represent.
They call out to God for help and provision, guidance and forgiveness. They describe God as Almighty and our Heavenly Father. If I’m honest, I really like those powerful words being read every day in Parliament. Now, agreeing with them on this is not easy to admit (and not simply because I rarely agree with The Greens on many topics). It may surprise you though… I actually agree with The Greens on this one. Maybe you can be one of the voices that helps decide whether it stays or goes. Remember, it was a petition from Christians that got The Lord’s Prayer into the Senate over a century ago. So, if you feel passionately either way on this issue, I encourage you to get involved in the democratic process and voice your opinion! Write to your senators. The Green’s motion also suggests that as they consider this change they should “consult with all senators” and “invite submissions and take evidence in public session”. “Senators, let us in silence pray or reflect upon our responsibilities to all people of Australia and to future generations.” The motion proposes that this “inclusive statement” should be the following: “Today the Senate has supported a Greens motion requiring the Senate Procedure Committee to set up an inquiry into changing the Senate opening from a Christian prayer to an inclusive statement.” On the 27th of June 2018, Rhiannon announced: Now, just a month or so before Rhiannon retires from politics, she is giving it one last go, and this time, The Greens might be successful. Considering there’s many people who aren’t religious, there’s many people of different faiths, it is time we started having an institution that is relevant to the 21st century.” When she spoke to ABC Insider last year, she revealed that she was still very determined to see the prayer’s removal, saying, “It is actually insulting the way parliament is opened.
Senator Lee Rhiannon initially raised her objections in 2003 on the 100 year aniversary of the prayer’s inclusion, but 15 years of trying hasn’t detered her. More recently, Greens senators Richard Di Natale and Lee Rhiannon have taken up the cause. The first motion for the prayer’s removal was put forward in 1997 by senator Bob Brown, the first leader of The Greens. The inclusion of these words were added in 1903 after a petition by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of NSW, and apart from a slight amendment here and there, they have remained unchanged for 115 years. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.
(Photo credit: MARK GRAHAM/AFP/Getty Images) How God got into ParliamentĮvery day in Australia, the President of the Senate is required to open parliament by reciting the following words:Īlmighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to vouchsafe Thy special blessing upon this Parliament, and that Thou wouldst be pleased to direct and prosper the work of Thy servants to the advancement of Thy glory, and to the true welfare of the people of Australia.