Prayers for the Judiciary

After a law is passed by Parliament it is subject to interpretation. Judges, courts and the police are among those who interpret the law. In particular, we should not confuse the actions police take with their interpretation of the law which is the basis of their action. The manner in which laws are implemented by the police is a separate issue. Here we are considering only their interpretation of law. There have been occasions when the understood intent of a law has been affected by the interpretation of that law. This leads to confusion and, in some cases, a miscarriage of justice.

We should also realise that there is a difference between justice and the law. There are times when, in endeavouring to sort out one situation, a law is introduced and passed that can result in injustice! In spite of all the research done when a law is prepared and introduced, some of the 'knock on' effects of a law may not be realised until it is applied.

Isaiah 59: 8-9 - The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace.

Therefore justice is far from us, nor does righteousness overtake us; we look for light, but there is darkness! For brightness, but we walk in blackness!

Walking in darkness or blackness is not desirable. The blackness of ungodly laws and the darkness of a law taken beyond its original intent can bring about oppression and a sense of hopelessness caused by injustice.

Isaiah 59:14-15 - Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice.

Let us pray according to -

Deuteronomy 16: 18-20 - "You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which the Lord your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment. You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”

•   that when the interpretation and application of a law is being considered it will be done with justice and a lack of bias.
•   that the Judiciary will fulfil their responsibilities with righteousness and impartiality.
•   that they will be wise and honest with any decision.
•   that the intent of a law will not be distorted.
•   that godly judges and police in authoritative positions will be given places of greater influence.
•   that Christian values will be recognised in the law for the benefit they are.