Election season is a tense time in America. People often fret and fume about the condition of politics and the choice of candidates. This year, the tension has increased because of world events and an assassination attempt.
Christians can struggle with knowing how to honor God while also seeking the good of their nation. At times, it can be tempting to go to extremes in political involvement. However, we should remember that we are, first and foremost, followers of Jesus. We are in this world, yet not part of it. Nations and rulers will rise and fall, but the Lord God remains Sovereign over all (Psalm 24:1; Colossians 1:16-17). No political leader or agenda can thwart His will.
In seeking to honor the Lord in our approach to politics, we must remember to pray for governing authorities. As 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (NIV). We can intercede for those in power and seek their good. Doing so is tied to the Bible’s emphasis on submitting to rulers and respecting them as a way to honor the Lord (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
Thus, we can honor the Lord by respecting the government and by praying for those in power. Our prayers are much needed during this politically heightened time. Christians can be a people of peace and hope even when our nation and world seem unsteady and uncertain.
Together, let us pray for our nation and rulers while keeping our focus on Christ, our King and Lord.
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1. A Prayer for Salvation
Lots of people believe that getting involved in politics will transform society. There is a place for proper political engagement, but believers need to remember that politics is not the answer to a nation’s problems. Jesus is the answer. He is the One who changes people and makes them new, which brings lasting change to families, communities, and countries (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Thus, the most vital thing we should pray for is the salvation of people in the USA and those who serve in governing positions. Everyone needs the saving grace of Jesus, including politicians and presidential candidates (Romans 3:23-24). We should pray for more people to see their need for Jesus and place faith in Him.
You died in the place of sinful humankind so that we could receive salvation. Savior, we ask that You work in the hearts of governing officials and presidential candidates so that You may lead them, and many others, to saving faith. In Your name, we pray, amen.
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2. A Prayer for Wisdom
Since there are different options and opinions of candidates, we need to exercise wisdom and discernment in our decisions. None of us should blindly vote for a specific person; we should make an informed choice. This is true for everyone in our nation.
For believers, our choice should include careful thought about what Scripture teaches about specific issues. We should follow God’s wisdom instead of worldly wisdom (James 3:13-17). In our pursuit of making an informed decision, may we seek to honor and glorify God above all else.
Lord, grant American citizens wisdom as they approach the presidential election and cast their votes. Help believers to seek the true wisdom that comes from Your Word. Regardless of the outcome, we trust that Your purpose and plan will prevail. Amen.
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3. A Prayer for Peace
Trouble and dissension often describe the condition of America. In recent years, the nation has faced a pandemic, acts of injustice, riots, and shootings. We are still facing the aftereffects of these events.
Inner discord also disrupts as political parties become more polarized. Arguments have become increasingly heated, and people choose to distance themselves from those with whom they do not agree. Often, Christians do this as well, especially if they are deeply involved in politics.
Instead of allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by the problems in the world or carried away by political polarization, we can choose to rest in the peace of Christ. Scripture encourages us, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18, NLT). Our prayers should reflect this emphasis as we seek to live among others peacefully.
We pray for peace to prevail in our country and the world. Lord, help us to be promoters of peace and to point others to You. Amen.
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4. A Prayer for Safety
Although the election season is usually a stressful time, the anxiety is higher this year because of the recent assassination attempt. People can understandably feel unsafe and fear for the safety of presidential candidates and attendees of rallies. We do not want to see people killed or injured.
As the tensions increase, believers can choose to pray. We know that prayer is powerful and effective, which is why our intercession is important (James 5:16). Christians can pray for the safety of governing authorities, seeking their good and safety.
God, recent events have made many people feel unsafe. Please protect candidates and attendees from harm so that no one gets injured. Amen.
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5. A Prayer for Perspective
People can easily place their hopes on the promises of humans. However, none of us are perfect and individuals regularly break their word. We act foolishly by placing our faith in sinful humans who cannot save us.
Instead of trusting in the unstable promises of man, we should maintain a proper perspective and encourage others to do the same. Our help does not come from government strength or the wealth of politicians. The believer’s hope and help come from the Lord (Psalm 121:1-2). We need to urge people to trust in Christ, not any presidential candidate, for He is the only One who can save us.
Lord, in You alone we trust and place our faith. Empower us to tell others about the hope that is in You. May many more people in America see that You are the only One who is trustworthy and deserving of our praise. Amen.
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6. A Prayer for Justice
Recent years have brought increased awareness to the problem of injustice and racism in the United States. Long-term issues of prejudice and inequality affect social and political relations today. As much as individuals may take pride in their country, they cannot ignore matters of injustice.
As we consider the upcoming election, we need to keep these issues in mind. Scripture tells us that God requires us “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV). Believers should work together to address injustices and treat everyone equally and with dignity, for we are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). If we value justice as God does, our actions and choices will be impacted.
Righteous Judge, You see all and will one day make everything right. Until that day, help us to address injustice in our nation, speaking up for the voiceless and oppressed. Prevent us from ignoring those who are hurt and frustrated. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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7. A Prayer for Guidance
Leaders and officials can make plans and proposals, but nothing can stop the Lord’s purpose. Our God is Sovereign over the earth and all nations. As Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will” (ESV).
God is in control. However, we still need to pray for government officials to be guided by the Lord in their decisions. Many will choose not to listen and follow their own way. Regardless, we can pray for God to guide the decisions of those in charge – for His will to be done.
Please guide the decisions of America’s leaders, God. May they choose to know and follow You instead of listening to the whims of their heart. We pray for Your will to be accomplished. Amen.
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8. A Prayer for Love
There is a reason Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan made an impression on the crowds of listeners. They were shocked that the person who helped the man in need was a Samaritan, a member of a group of people the Jews looked down upon. This despised man was the one who had acted as a neighbor. Christ challenged the assumptions of the audience to emphasize the importance of loving our neighbor (Luke 10:25-37). According to the Bible, our neighbors are not just those we identify with or who live nearby.
We need this reminder to love others because political tensions can cause arguments and hateful perspectives. Even if we disagree with someone, we should not hate that person. If there is anything believers should be known for, it is love (John 13:35).
As we enter this election season, grant us the courage and power to love our neighbors, even if they have different political views. Lord, we pray for Your love to abound in our country and the world. Amen.
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9. A Prayer for Proper Stewardship
We all have things we manage: schedules, appointments, meals, bank accounts, homes. On a larger scale, as a nation, we should also consider the way we manage resources like funding, public spaces, and the environment. All these areas are important concerns of stewardship.
God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth to care for and keep it (Genesis 1:28; 2:15). To care for the earth, including the animals and humans who live on it, we must act wisely in the use of resources. We must also pray for rulers and leaders to have wisdom so they can act as good stewards of land, programs, and funds.
The earth and everything in it belong to You, God. Guide Americans to properly steward the resources You have graciously given. We pray that leaders would carefully consider the use of resources and how their decisions affect life and the environment. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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10. A Prayer for Unity
Politics so often divide people. This is true of the nation and of believers in America. Many churches have become partisan since they prioritize uniformity in political ideology over unity in Christ.
In striving for the common good of the nation, we also need to pray for unity in our churches so that there may be no division in the body of Christ. Jesus prayed for His followers to be one (John 17:21-23). Our entreaty should be for the church to “be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10, NLT). We cannot do this if we are split due to disagreements in the political realm.
God, guide the country towards being united in purpose for the good of all, according to Your will. Remind us, Your church, of what it looks like to be of one of mind. May we always seek to serve You above anyone or anything else. Amen.
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Originally published Tuesday, 06 August 2024.