Day 14

Pray that we discern and cause our leaders to focus on the significant issues of our day and that we are not sidetracked by peripheral issues.

Father, we are so often distracted by that which is “loud” rather than focusing on that which is significant. As we listen to the candidates vying for these positions of leadership in Alberta, help us to discern the important and to view what is being said though the lens of Scripture.  Amen

 So give your servant (Solomon) a discerning heart…and to distinguish between right and wrong...The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.  So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart,...(1 Kings 3:9-12) 

Day 13

Pray that our leaders have the humility and understanding that wisdom and discernment come from God alone.

Father, it is a fearful thing to be granted the responsibility to make decisions that affect millions, perhaps for years to come.  We pray that You grant our leaders grace in order that they humble themselves and seek Your wisdom when they make decisions and set policy. Amen

Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. (James 4:6-7)   “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe…“ (Jas 1:5-6)

Day 12

Pray that each individual elected realizes that God plus one is the majority and that they could be the instrument chosen by God to redirect and heal our land.

Father, our land appears to have lost its moral compass and we are drifting into a purposeless existence where wrong is applauded and right is ridiculed.  We ask You confirm in the hearts of our legislators that Your Word is truth and must be our guide for life and any legislation. Amen

“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”  (Ezekiel 22:30)

Day 11

Pray today that the leaders we select have courage to stand for truth and to make the right decision – not those that are merely “politically correct”

 

Father, the majority are not always correct, but it is difficult at times, to stand alone.  Grant our elected leaders the courage to stand alone when they must to uphold truth and justice. Amen

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.  Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. (Ps 2:10-11)

Day 10

Pray that our leaders understand their responsibility to honour God in all their decisions.

Father, it is a fearful thing to be granted the responsibility to lead.  We pray for our leaders in Alberta, that they acknowledge and accept that responsibility as given by you.

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.  Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Ps 2:10-11

Day 9

Pray that we may learn to honour our leaders.

Father, your Word is clear that we are to honour those in leadership.  By your grace and mercy, direct us, as we consider who to elect, to choose men and women of honour. Amen

Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order… Revere God. Respect the government. (The Message)

Day 8

Pray for our leaders to be open to godly counsel; not only as they campaign but then, for those appointed, when they “rule”. 

Father, we ask that you place godly men and women as wise counsellors beside those who are seeking a seat in our legislature. Amen

Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory. Prov 11:14

Day 7

Pray for sensitivity in the hearts of those who would be leaders in our Province. 

Father, we ask You continue to work in the hearts and minds of those whom you have called to lead in this Province of Alberta.  Turn their hearts toward righteousness and justice. Amen

The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 22:1

Day 6

Pray for our land, that God would bring “healing”. 

Father, many times you remind us that you will heal our land not through our leaders but if we, your people, turn to you with all of our hearts.  Help us to understand what that means and to do it. Amen

^... if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14

Day 5

Pray for those seeking to be elected as well as their families.

Father, we ask that those running for office, as well as those close to them, would experience protection from slander or any other harm.  That the experience of seeking to serve the people through involvement in government, might be an encouragement rather than discouragement.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden,…  Hebrews 13:17

Day 4

Pray that God would appoint leaders who are full of integrity & pursue righteousness. 

Our loving heavenly Father, we pray that You will help us chose men and women of courage who will stand for what is right and will serve our province genuinely and with integrity. Amen.

But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Luke 22:26

Day 3

Today, pray that God would give us visionary leaders gifted with determination to legislate justly, guide with integrity and thereby create hope for all in Alberta. 

Father, we pray that You would give us political leaders who are genuinely concerned about the poor, the weak and the disadvantaged people in our province. That you would guide their thinking that our historical rights, based on your Word, are protected. Amen.

Prov 31:8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Day 2

God grant us wisdom as we exercise the privilege of voting for our governments and in particular as we vote for the members that will form the next Province of Alberta government

Father, today we pray for the voters of Alberta.  Help each of us to see the importance of being involved in this process, and to seek Your wisdom in our decision to elect the right candidate. Amen.

James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Day 1

We begin this extended time of prayer asking our God to remind His Church that we ought to pray for those in leadership, and in our case, those who He would want in leadership roles

We pray today that the Church across Alberta will take their place as intercessors for our province as never before and that we will recognize that it is Your will for us, not “merely” our democratic privilege. Amen

1 Tim 2:1-2   I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 

Four Weeks of Prayer - Join The Movement!

Albertans are going to the polls on May 5th.  We all want good government and we know that our best hope for that to happen is if we can mobilize the church to pray for the leaders we will elect on Election Day.  There's more information below!

Four Weeks of Prayer  Join The Movement!

What if there was a way to mobilize people all across Alberta to pray with focus over the next 4 weeks, about the future of our province? What could happen? What might God do in response to our prayers? How might He answer and what kind of future could we shape for our province...because we prayed? We're about to find out! Starting on April 13th, Leading Influence Ministries together with Pray AB is launching our "4 Weeks of Prayer" campaign. We invite you to "Join the Movement" and participate in our non-partisan cyber prayer meeting. Each day, we will send out a tweet, Facebook update, email and post a prayer on our website that will serve as a prayer focus for that day. We're inviting you to pray and share with your networks our focused prayer each day for the next 4 weeks.

Mr. Cal Dallas - MLA for Red Deer-South

God we are thankful today for MLA Cal Dallas and his gifted leadership. We pray that he would be aware of the needs of the people around him and help him in his decision making for his constituents in Red Deer – South. It is our prayer that he and his family stay safe through all their activities and travel. In Christ name, Amen (Grade 6 student)

Cal Dallas was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Red Deer-South on March 3, 2008, and thereafter elected for a second term on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as the Legislative Secretary, Intergovernmental Relations (reporting to the Premier) and is a member of the Treasury Board. He is a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Mr. Dallas previously served as the Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations, and subsequently as Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations.

Mr. Dallas has explored trade and investment opportunities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States. Mr. Dallas also works within the province to inform Alberta’s innovative companies about business opportunities abroad as well as the supports available to help export-ready companies succeed in the global marketplace.

Prior to entering cabinet, Mr. Dallas served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Alberta Finance and Enterprise and then to the Minister of Alberta Environment. In addition, he co-chaired Climate Change Central, was vice-chair of the Regulatory Enhancement Project Task Force and served on the Cabinet Policy Committee on Energy.

Prior to serving in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Dallas was executive director of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, and before that he worked in the printing and publishing industry for 25 years, including nine years as publisher of the Red Deer Express.

An active member of his community, Mr. Dallas has been involved in the following organizations:

• Red Deer Rotary Club, director
• Alberta Chamber of Commerce, vice-president (volunteer)
• United Way of Central Alberta, director
• Innisfail Golf Association, president
• Red Deer College, board of governors
• STARS Capital Campaign
• Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness

In recognition of his community involvement, Mr. Dallas received the Canadian Chamber of Commerce volunteer of the year award in 2002 and the Queens Jubilee Medal in 2003. Additionally, he received the Bill Draayer award from the Alberta Weekly Newspapers’ Association in 2004, and the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005.

Mr. Dallas and his wife, Jacqueline, live in Red Deer.

Ms. Christine Cusanelli - MLA for Calgary-Currie

Dear Father in Heaven we pray for Mrs. Christine Cusanelli as she is an MLA and pray that you will help her make wise choices in the constituency she serves in. We pray that you will open her eyes to new possibilities as she travels and talks to the people of our province. God we ask that you keep her and her family safe and may they have time to do the things together that they enjoy. Amen

Christine Cusanelli was elected to her first term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Currie on April 23, 2012. She was sworn in as Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation on May 15, 2012, a position she held until February 4, 2013.

She currently serves as a deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

She has a bachelor of education degree from Faculté Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, and a masters degree in psychology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She started her career as a teacher with the Calgary Catholic school district, where she taught elementary and junior high students in French immersion and other educational settings. Most recently Ms. Cusanelli led St. Michael’s school (K-9) in implementing two international baccalaureate programs. She has been a keen supporter and advocate for students with special needs and learning challenges.

She became a principal at age 32, placing her among the youngest principals in Calgary. In this role she spent the past several years working to create bonds with students, their families and the broader community through outreach that has included visiting seniors’ homes, working with Inn from The Cold and opening the school up to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary.

Ms. Cusanelli is a runner, cyclist and swimmer. She has participated in triathlons, marathons and other races in the pursuit of personal health and to fund raise for various charities. She spends time golfing, travelling, reading and enjoying the arts with her daughter.

Mr. Ron Casey - MLA for Banff-Cochrane

Lord God, We pray for MLA Mr. Ron Casey as he represents Banff-Cochrane. We thank you for his enthusiasm, dedication and commitment while serving in our Legislature. We pray you will protect him and his family. Multiply his time and renew his energy. In Jesus name, Amen (Grade 6 student)

Ron Casey was elected to his first term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Banff-Cochrane on April 23, 2012.

In addition to his duties as an MLA, Mr. Casey also serves on the following committees:

• Chair, Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing Committee
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship

Previously he served as a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services and is past Chair of Rural Caucus.

Recently, Mr. Casey was appointed to the MLA implementation team working on the review and implementation of the Retail Market Review recommendations that will strengthen Alberta’s retail electricity market.

Born and raised on an Ontario farm, Mr. Casey moved to Alberta when he was 21, making Canmore his home for over 40 years. Trained as a master electrician, Mr. Casey ran his own company called B&C Electric Ltd. from 1978 to 1990 and later built homes, commercial developments, and industrial buildings.

Mr. Casey has strong ties and a history of service to his community starting as a member of the Town Council in 1995 and winning four terms to serve as Mayor of Canmore for 12 years in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2010.

Mr. Casey holds a 4th degree black belt in Chito Ryu Karate and runs his own karate training school in Canmore. Mr. Casey also spends as much time as he can on his motorcycles during the summer months.

Mr. Casey and his wife, Pennie, have two grown daughters – Alison and Shannon, and are also the proud grandparents of two grandchildren, Casey and Nicola.

Mr. Wayne Cao - MLA for Calgary-Fort

Dear God, We pray for MLA Mr. Wayne Cao that he will continue to do a great job as he works diligently for our province. Give him safety in his travels and reward him with strength for each and every day. Protect him and his family so they can be strong for one another. We ask for an increase of creativity, discernment and objectivity as he continues to serve Albertans. Amen (Grade 6 student)

Wayne Cao was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on March 11, 1997, as the MLA for the Calgary-Fort constituency and re-elected on March 11, 2001, November 22, 2004, March 3, 2008, and April 23, 2012. On April 14, 2008, he was elected to the position of Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees, a position he held for the remainder of the 27th Legislature. He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship as well as the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Mr. Cao has served as chair of the following standing committees:

• Alberta’s Economic Future
• Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Education
• Families and Communities
• Legislative Offices
• Private Bills
• Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Public Accounts

Additionally, he has served as the Cabinet member liaison to caucus for southern Alberta and as a member of the following:

• Cabinet Policy Committee on Government Services
• Child care legislation review
• Committee on Lifelong Learning
• Court Service Workers Review Committee
• Employment Standards Regulations Review
• Government caucus in Calgary
• Government Member, Lougheed House Historical Preservation Society
• Government Representative, Calgary Diversity Leadership Council
• Government Strategy Team on Private Members’ Bills
• Legislative Review Committee
• MLA Committee on Strengthening Alberta’s Role in Confederation
• Natural Heritage Environment Protection Legislation Review
• Northland Athabasca School District Review
• Standing Policy Committee on Learning
• Subcommittees of Supply and Designated Supply

Mr. Cao has brought forward several legislation changes related to maternity/parental leave increase, minimum wage increase, employment standards for domestic workers, medical benefits for severely handicapped people, seniors’ assistance programs and the selection of Alberta’s official song.

He has lived, worked and travelled extensively in many parts of the world: Southeast Asia, Western Europe, Australia, Mexico, the USA and Canada.

Mr. Cao received training in engineering, computing technology and business management from various corporations and institutions such as the universities of Auckland, Saigon and Waterloo and continuing education programs through Shell Petroleum in Canada and the USA. He is a certified information technology professional, holding ISP designation from the Canadian Information Processing Society.

He worked for the Shell petroleum company for 26 years in many specialist and management roles before early retirement in 1997 after winning his first election. He taught evening courses for the Association of Engineers of Saigon-Vietnam and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Mr. Cao is a past director of Kimson Consulting Services and Canadasia Management Consulting, a past chair of the Data Warehouse Technology Special Interest Group of the Canadian Information Processing Professional Society and past member of the Data Processing Management Association of America.

He has participated in and held memberships in various society and charity organizations, including:

• Calgary Minor Soccer Association
• Canadian Club of Calgary
• For the Love of Children Society
• Habitat for Humanity
• Royal Canadian Legion, Ogden Branch
• The Future Group
• United Nations Association
• Wildrose Lions Club

Mr. Cao also has worked with Calgary community TV and has spent time advising cultural events. He was a volunteer/session leader with the Junior Achievement stay-in-school programs; judge for high school debates, science and heritage fairs; a volunteer/contributor with Meals-for-Homeless and Inn-from-the-Cold; and a participant and fundraiser for various charity events.

His contributions to the community have been recognized through awards and honorary membership from For The Love of Children Society, the Hart Foundation, Friends of Elliston Park Society, the Ogden Seniors Association, Fort Calgary Historic Foundation, Visminsa Filipino Society, Indo-Canada Association, Hispanic Arts Society, Hoysun Association, Millican-Ogden Association, Calgary Minor Soccer Association and Chinese Music Development Society. He has received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Alberta Centennial Medal.

Mr. Cao enjoys playing racket sports, downhill skiing, fishing, playing music and singing, history reading, language learning and martial arts practice.

He has established his home in Calgary for over the last 30 years with his wife, Kim Hoang, an engineer and banking professional, and their three sons: William (MBA; law, University of Calgary), Winston (engineer, University of Waterloo) and Ulysses (biochemist, Queen’s University). They have one grandson so far.