BC Budget Speech - September 1, 2009

Heavenly Father we recognize You as our Abundant Source and Giver of good gifts.  Lord, you have blessed with an abundance of natural resources, talented citizens and tremendous opportunities.  We are blessed to live in British Columbia.  And yet, you know that our province faces tremendous economic challenges and there are once again, very difficult decisions and choices have been made that will be announcd today.  These decisions will affect every British Columbian in some way and we today we pray asking that you would strengthen the people of our province with a resolve to overcome as we experience the pain of the global recession.

Lord, we ask that You would undertake in the financial affairs of our Province and cause it to prosper.  We echo the prayer of Jesus when he taught us to pray `Give us this day our daily bread`.   We need your help in this difficult time and we look to you for provision and sustenance.  For those who are and will experience financial difficulty through this time, we pray that You would be merciful to them. 

We also pray for those responsible for directing the financial affairs of the Province.  We pray that you would grant Premier Campbell, Minister Hansen and the Cabinet the courage to make difficult choices and the wisdom to do this with compassion and grace. 

We pray for the poor, the widows, the homeless, those in need of health care and long term care.  God be gracious to them in this time.  Minister to them through the many among us who can be a blessing and source of generosity.  Help us to find ways to minister to those who are less fortunate in ways that will make a difference in their lives.

Hear our prayer O Lord.  Amen.