Before I knew what was going on I was standing at the foot of the stairs coming down from the airplane.
What? Are we the only ones? What do we do? How does this work?
Then it happened…
I looked up to see the Prime Minister of Canada waving to the media and descend the stairs toward me and my son.
“Welcome to the Okanagan Mr. Prime Minister.” I think I said.
And I really mean “I think”. It’s all a bit of a blur now. It was a bit of blur then as well.
My son David and I had volunteered to help out with picking up some rental vehicles for Prime Minister Harper’s team during his visit to the Okanagan. We picked up the vehicles and shuttled them to the airport where we were to rendezvous with a member of the PM’s advance team who would give us instructions.
When we arrived at the airport the place was crawling with the RCMP, dog sniffer teams, and Emergency Response Team members – you name it. All manner of tight security befitting a head of state was out in all its glory. It was thrilling to be on the inside of this extravaganza.
The PM’s advance team representative greeted us and thanked us for helping out. We asked if we could wait to see the PM’s plane land and watch the motorcade drive off. No problem with that, so we hung out.
When the plane came to a stop the area secured for the PM’s entourage burst into action. RCMP vehicles of all varieties raced into position. Dozens of media and Conservative team members flowed out of the plane onto the tarmac into their waiting vehicles, and we were invited to scurry over with the media to get a close look at the proceedings.
As we were walking over the PM’s rep asked us if we had ever met the PM. No we had not. And the next thing we knew we were directed to the foot of the stairs and I was shaking Prime Minister Harper’s hand welcoming him to the Okanagan.
He was then whisked off into his waiting motorcade of a small army of vehicles.
What just happened? This wasn’t how I envisioned I would meet the PM…
As I reflected on this crazy event a thought came to my mind:
“Do I pray for our Prime Minister?”
He is a man just like you and me. He is trying to do the best job he can leading our nation to be the best we can be. He is working extremely hard in very difficult times on behalf of our nation and its citizens. He needs wisdom to do what he needs to do – as do all members of our government.
Do you pray for him?
Scripture admonishes us to pray for our leaders. We need to pray for leaders at the Federal, Provincial and Municipal level:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1, 2
We are not called to criticize, condemn or complain. We are called to pray for our leaders. Pray for the Prime Minister. Pray that we elect officials who demonstrate integrity of character and good governance so that we might live in peace, and godliness.
When in doubt as to what you can pray, pray scripture for our elected officials. Pray in particular for those you know are Jesus-followers, because every day is a unique battle for them. The following scriptures are an example of what you can pray for our elected officials.
Don’t fall into the trap of continually complaining about our leaders. Canada is, in fact, ranked by the US-based Reputation Institute as having the World’s Best Reputation and being The Most Admired Country in the World. We must be doing something right.
Please, pray for our government.