(A topic worthy of theolgical debate... Arminian Calvinism perhaps?!!)

Anyway, more seriously.  Our service last night went really well, and thanks are due to one of my C of S colleagues for organising it.  Just half an hour long, with a couple of Bible readings (Micah 6:8 and Mark 12: 28-31) and short reflections, some prayers and hymns.  The pause we needed but might not otherwise have made time for.  The place to seek God amidst the pressures of earth.

One hymn we sang was this one (though verse 2 was omitted for some unknown reason - maybe just to fit the page, maybe it was a little too specific or pointed? ):-

1. Lord, we ask for wisdom, guidance.

Lead us in this nation’s hour,

when those bidding for election

tell us how they’ll use their powers.

As we read each manifesto

show, where best, your Kingdom flowers.

2. Favour those whose goal is service,

all whose aim is toil, not ease;

leaders moved by courage, goodness,

spurning false expenses, sleaze.

Save us from all spin, deception.

Lead us now to righteousness.

3. Look upon us, Lord, in kindness.

Pardon those who trust in wealth.

Many live in fear of losing

money, homes, employment, health.

Through recession’s shadow, lead us;

in your rod and staff, our faith.

4. In each passing generation

you seek justice, mercy, grace;

care for poor and broken-hearted,

care for all who have no place.

Let the homeless and the stranger

find in us Christ’s warm embrace.

5. All the earth and all its people,

all its seas and all its lands;

all belong to you, O Father,

all our hopes are in your hands.

As we go to cast our ballot

Tune our ears to heaven’s demands.

Words by Louis Kinsey © Jocky Music 2010 (can be found here HT CofS Craig)

Some wise words were spoken in the service, acknowledging that we won't all vote the same way, that many factors will infleunce our decisions, but that we trust, somehow that despite our finitude and partiality God is working.

So, that's it, I've cast my vote and normal service resumes.  It is intriguing working in a key marginal (maybe 'the' key marginal for Scotland) and living in a seat deemed so safe no-one has canvassed my vote (though the Communist was handing our leaflets at the gate of the 'polling place' (four polling stations in one building)).  I don't intend to stay up for the result but by tomorrow it'll be over and the reality will begin.