GOVERNMENT ARENA SECTION
ONE: Gordon Copeland wrote: “Government influences abortion in two principle
ways: - It writes the abortion laws.
- It appoints
those who approve and undertake abortions through the Abortion Supervisory Committee (ASC).
The government of the day has
the power to change the law for good or evil. Parliament, normally on a conscience vote, appoints the members of the ASC, although
under Helen Clark this was not the case.” The current Minister of Health is Hon Tony Ryall. The current Minister of Justice
is Hon Simon Power. The current Minister for Social Development and Employment is Hon Paula Bennett. C from Warkworth wrote to Paula
Bennett expressing her concern about the rise in abortion rates and asking about adoption as an option. Bennett’s
reply “I can advise that adoption is certainly a current option for parents. Child, Youth and Family
provide adoption services to parents who are considering how to proceed with a pregnancy…provided with comprehensive
information…staff are available…” Pray for a concentrated, effective promotion of adoption as an option to abortion. First prayer meeting
this year at Parliament is Friday 20th March. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 urges us to pray for all those in authority. Ed Silvoso outlines the
following reasons: - Because of MPs influence on the quality of the nation.
- Because of their lack of influence in some areas.
- Because of the influence
of demonic powers on them. Evil structures operate alongside political ones.
Derek Prince comments regarding
1 Tim 2:1-4: “The first specific topic of prayer, ordained by God for His people meeting in fellowship, is the government.
Does the kind of government we live under affect the way we live? Obviously it does.
Therefore, if we desire a good way of life, logic and self-interest alike indicate that we should pray for our government.
The truth is that Christians are not held responsible by God to criticize their government, but they are held responsible
to pray for it. So long as they fail to pray, Christians have no right to criticize. In fact, most
political leaders and administrators are more faithful in the discharge of their secular duties than Christians are in the
discharge of their spiritual duties. Generally speaking, you can say that Christians get the kind of
government they deserve. There is a time lag. It does not happen instantly.
But by and large, Christians are responsible for the government they live under. Furthermore, if
Christians would seriously begin to intercede, they would soon find less to criticize. Good government
is God’s will.” Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Taking communion could be important during these two weeks. PRAYER POINTS: REPENTANCE: We need to begin by coming into God’s presence and repenting of our lack of
prayer for government. Gen 18:32 Abraham prayed for Sodom to be saved and not destroyed. If there had been
ten righteous praying people Sodom would not have been destroyed. “Ten righteous people
can save a city the size of Sodom. 100 righteous people can save a city 10 times the size of Sodom. 1000 righteous people can save a city 100 times the size of Sodom.” (Derek Prince) Repent of our
personal and corporate lack of prayer for Govt. We have sinned and fallen short in this requirement of
God’s. Cry out to God to avert judgment and further destruction of NZ, especially destruction of the unborn. Pray for God
to raise up the number of righteous people needed to save our nation. Is 45:8 1.
Pray for MPs: that the Holy Spirit to
begin to prepare MPs for the positive, pro-life outcome from the Court of Appeal, 12-13 May. 2.
Pray for their hearts to be softened,
their ears and eyes to be opened, their understanding to be broadened regarding the consequences and effects of abortion on
NZ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring deep conviction about abortion through many and varied divine encounters,
conviction that results in urgency in their spirits that permanent change must be made, soon. 3.
Pray that those who are currently untroubled
by abortion, or whose mind-set is that it’s Too Hard and Too Controversial – that those mindsets will be dismantled
and replaced by the truth. If you know the truth, the truth will set you free. (Jn 8:32) In
the gospels Jesus was always saying, “I tell you the truth…” Pray for Jesus to tell
MPs the truth about abortion. 4. Pray for MPs to rediscover the Biblical moral compass regarding purity, to realign themselves with repentance and point
NZ in the right direction adjusting laws where necessary. 1 Tim 4:12b, 2 Cor 7:1, James 4:6-12, Phil 4:8,
1 Jn 1:5-10 5.
Pray for MPs who are pro-life to speak
up about their convictions without shame, to seek out others of like mind, and begin to work together. 6.
Pray for Christian MPs to be strong,
to make a strong stand for righteousness, justice and truth regarding abortion, not influenced by ridicule of others, to pray
together as led by the Holy Spirit and with the fear of the Lord, and by working together spiritually put “10,000 to
flight” Lev 26:7-8, Deu 32:30a, 2 Cor 10:3-5; and re fear of the Lord, Prov 1:7, 14:26-27, Ps 25. 7.
Pray for Government and the ASC to abide
by the recommendations put forward by the Crown Counsel, to make the necessary changes without delay and ensure they are enforced. 8.
Pray for future ASC appointments: that
MPs will be able to truly exercise a conscience vote. Pray that the blood of Jesus will sever completely
every unholy alliance between MPs and ASC. 9. Pray that the process of all the above will not be aborted, all pertinent information needed will
be provided and not aborted in any way, the process of justice through Government will go full term. 10. Pray that in all the above, the Lord do a parallel work in NZ public
to prepare the way for the changes ahead. Ps 55:9-11, Ps 12:8 | 
