The Parliamentary Prayer is based on Principle.
Almighty God, humbly acknowledging our need for Thy Guidance in all things, and laying aside all private and personal interest, 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 honour of the Queen, and the public welfare, peace and tranquillity of New Zealand, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen,
While the word ‘humbly’ does not appear to reflect the general attitude of parliamentarians towards anyone or anything and as for asking them to lay aside all private and personal interests – that is (apparently) called figurative language. It means nothing.
The guy who broke parole and flew to South America, was arrested there and brought back, is now pleading not guilty to breaching parole and not guilty of escaping to South America. He probably thinks if the MPs can do it so can he.
‘I promise to lay aside all personal and private interests’ – oh sure.
‘The maintenance of true religion’ is a bit of a stretch – the real thing is based on being kind to one another isn’t it? Smoke and mirrors, darlings, smoke and mirrors… not to worry – all based on principles.
Check out any of the world religions – which of them hasn’t approved of people being killed, children orphaned, have committed mass murder, all in the name of their respective religions? So if our parliamentary prayer is based on principle, that’s following in a good old tradition, right?
It’s what Parliamentarians said before they passed all the unjust and uncharitable laws, some of which have been repealed, some of which still stand. It has been said before decisions to send young men to war and young women to go as nurses, or stay home and do everything else that had to be done. It is said before they pass legislation of mass surveillance. It explains why we now have a small number of rich people and a large number of poor people.
This is to do with the public welfare, peace and tranquillity of New Zealand‘?
To quote my Hester in Too Many Cooks – principles are weapons of mass destruction..
Oh Parliamentary prayer – thy name is Irony…right?
