New Zealand Revises Parliamentary Prayer to Exclude Jesus’ Name

New Zealand Revises Parliamentary Prayer to Exclude Jesus’ Name

New Zealand’s parliament has removed a reference to Jesus in a prayer that is said before parliamentary meetings.

According to The Christian Post, the original version of the prayer read, “Almighty God, humbly acknowledging our need for Thy guidance in all things, and laying aside all private and personal interests, we beseech Thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs of this House and of our country to the glory of Thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the honor of the Queen, and the public welfare, peace, and tranquility of New Zealand, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The new version removes Jesus’ name, as well the reference to the Queen of England.

The text of the new prayer reads: “Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on New Zealand,” the proposed new prayer reads. “Laying aside all personal interests, we pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility, for the public welfare and peace of New Zealand.”

The new version of the prayer does still include the reference to “Almighty God,” although there had been a version proposed that took out all religious language. This version was not accepted, however.

Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/brians101

Publication date: November 10, 2017