Holyrood and beyond: Praying as Scotland prepares to vote

Jem's prayer: Lord, guide our leaders into faithfulness to you, compassion to our neighbours and the justice of the Kingdom of God to overwhelm the earth.

‘I have never engaged directly with politics before last September when I attended a mass climate lobby at Holyrood. Before this, I questioned whether it would make any difference. But I felt differently after speaking face-to-face with my MSPs. I relished the opportunity to raise how passionate I feel about leaders looking beyond our borders to care for the lives of people around the world who are made vulnerable by extreme poverty. It felt like an act of Christian witness.

‘As we move toward the May election, my hope is for the Government to value faithfulness over greatness, humility over power, and love over fear. I pray for Christians to have the courage to engage in public life and to seek a government that recognises the values that matter to Jesus, such as ruling with compassion and justice.’

Gregor: How to pray for climate and global justice

Gregor's prayer: Lord, guide our leaders to act with compassion for people affected by climate change and courage to protect your creation.

‘My prayer for Scotland ahead of this election is for politicians to be elected who lead with integrity and have the courage to act boldly and decisively to tackle inequality in our society.

Globally, there is both a need and opportunity for governments to show collective action to mitigate the consequences of climate change. We see this impact in part in rising global socioeconomic inequalities and geopolitical shifts. It is often some of the poorest communities who are hit disproportionately by these changes. As a Christian, I seek to respond to the biblical call to defend people in poverty, to love our neighbours, and to follow God’s heart of justice and kindness.

Seeing change in Scotland, and also for our global neighbours, starts with prayer.

I pray that leaders in Scotland and across the world come together, implementing bold and decisive policies to tackle the climate crisis and its consequences. Please join me in this prayer for Scotland.’

Heather: How to pray for dignity and respectful debate

Heather's prayer: Father, in your gracious providence, may we elect politicians who will treat each other, and all people, in ways that reflect your character and glory.

‘In our fractious culture, I’m praying for a Scottish Parliament made up of men and women of integrity, who are willing to hear each other, to treat one another with respect, even – especially – when disagreeing. May they be people willing to approach every issue with ears ready to listen, particularly to the voices of those living in extreme poverty. Wouldn’t it be great to see a Parliament that stands as a powerful example of love for every neighbour?

‘All people are made in God’s image, and, whether or not we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we still bear his image. The image is marred in us all, but still there. I’m praying for politicians who will see the dignity of every person, and reflect Jesus’ love and care for all, starting with people in need (Luke 4:16-21). I’m unusual – but I’m convinced that we have much to thank God for in our Parliament!

By “common grace” (not the same thing as “saving grace”) the Lord sends the sun and the rain for all people (Matthew 5:45), and so even non-believing leaders can be gifted by God. Let’s ask for good leaders, gifted with humble hearts, filled with compassion, justice and righteousness.’

Further resources for Christian voters in Scotland

If you’re looking for more ways to engage faithfully with the 2026 Scottish Election, you may want to consider exploring these resources:

• Evangelical Alliance Scotland: Head to their website for resources on how to engage in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
• CARE for Scotland: Visit the CARE for Scotland website for ways to connect in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections.
• The Evangelical Alliance in Scotland, CARE for Scotland, Pray for Scotland and 24-7 Prayer Scotland are hosting a prayer gathering one week before the Holyrood elections. Find out more about the gathering on Thursday 30 April.

Are you attending or hosting a hustings?

Hustings are public meetings where you can listen to and ask questions of the candidates, and are often hosted by local churches. They are a powerful way to ensure the voices of those passionate about global justice are heard.

The Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office (SCPO) provides a comprehensive Hustings Guidance for 2026. Whether you are attending a traditional meeting or a "speed hustings," they offer advice on:

• Forming a planning group with other local churches.
• How to chair an event with impartiality and respect.
• Practical top tips to help make your hustings a success.

You can find out who your local candidates are by visiting https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/

What you can do next

• Register to vote: The deadline is Monday 20 April 2026. Make sure you are registered at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
• Pray using these reflections: Take the prayers in this article into your own time with God or share them with your church during Sunday services.
• Engage with us: Follow Tearfund Scotland on social media to see more stories of how your voice is making a difference for our global neighbours.