Between the internet, TV, and our mailboxes we’ve been inundated with political ads for months. Not only do Republican and Democrat candidates oppose one another on numerous issues, each side also loudly complains about the errors and character flaws of the other.
No doubt we can all agree: it’s been another contentious election season.
We might also agree that the whole process is worthy of prayer. In fact, through the inspired writings of the Apostle Paul, God urges us to pray for our leaders:
Perhaps we might pray like this:
We praise you, O God:
- That you are willing to use our earnest prayers to change the course of our nation, to stay your hand of judgment, and make us into the kind of people you long for us to be in the process [1].
- That you are all-wise and all-powerful. There is no problem that can’t be alleviated, there is no argument that can’t be settled, when people seek your wise insight and revelation. May all of us turn to you with sincere hearts, eager to follow your ways, to live together in peace and unity [2].
- For leaders already serving in city, state, and federal governments: may they strive to apply your wisdom, justice, and the Golden Rule on behalf of those they serve. Keep them strong in mind and spirit for the work ahead.
Be our guide, O God:
- That we might understand clearly the issues at hand, the problems we face, and the consequences of each policy implemented.
- To elect those whose lives and leadership are based on truth and integrity.
- To elect individuals who will not suppress those who profess faith in you. May they support, not detract from, opportunities that introduce people to Christ and the enhanced life he offers.
- To elect those who will honestly consider the best practices (many of them Christ-centered), already implemented and working in some areas—best practices with high success rates in reducing poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, crime, and more. Conversely, may our public servants terminate those government programs that aren’t working and waste financial resources.
- To elect people who value unity and are willing to seek creative compromises and solutions with those of different political affiliations. In the process, may such leaders contribute to healing the divide among us and strengthen our country [3].
We pray for:
- Lies to be exposed and truth to shine with clarity.
- A sense of serious responsibility in the heart of ALL Americans, that each might cast an informed, thoughtful, and prayerful vote. May we remember that men and women have died in order that we might exercise this precious freedom.
- An honest election, untainted by fraud and interference. May those involved in such activities be exposed and held accountable.
And finally:
- May the injustices perpetrated by dishonorable leaders be rectified.
- May elected officials serve with integrity, stand against evil, and work toward the prosperity of all. May they be mindful they are accountable to you first, and then their constituents [4].
- May YOUR power and greatness, justice and mercy, righteousness and goodness, wisdom and more reign supreme as elected officials take office.
In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray,
AMEN.
[1] Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, p. 157.
[2] Hebrews 10:22; Psalm 119:30-32; Ephesians 4:3
[3] Mark 3:25
[4] Hebrews 13:17
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Nancy, I appreciate the positive nature of your post. Indeed, there are avenues of prayer that open our hearts to witness God’s goodness. The verse from Mark 3:25 fills a common theme in my prayers as our nation moves forward after this election season.
Agreed, Richard. November 6th and the days beyond offer their own set of challenges. Our prayers will need to continue!
Great prayer for this season which unfortunately, this year, is promised by some states to continue on past election day. I think we are all weary of it, but that is all the more reason for us to continue in prayer. In God we can find truth. Thank you for sharing what is on your heart.
I’m thinking that finding truth might include seeking the advice of others who demonstrate godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:5). I especially like the HCSB translation of this verse: “A wise man will listen and increase his learning, and a discerning man will obtain guidance.” Surely that could be applied to voting!
As my husband continues to remind me daily…no matter who wins on Election Day, we have one job and that is to pray. I am reblogging your post. It is timely and inspiring.
Thank you Vicklea; I’m honored. Praise God for directing me to the concerns included in this prayer-post, and his inspiration in how to express them. I agree with your husband: our prayers for our country and its leaders must not end on Election Day!
[…] https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/10/31/an-election-day-prayer/ […]
And how I am praying, Nancy, that people will vote for servant leadership, just as Jesus modeled for all of us, and not for those whose record only serves their own interests, locally and nationally. Our country, in my opinion, is one under God. We must act in that same way when we cast our hard-won freedom to vote. Pray, pray, pray!
No doubt it is passionate people-of-prayer like you, Martha, who are fighting the battle in the heavenlies for our country! May God bless you for your strong efforts and may he heal our land!
Nancy, this week’s blog was very professionally written and enjoyed it very much. The way you put things together giving the Lord all the Glory. Praying new doors will open for a company will come aboard and financial assistance be granted. Love you
Thank you, Gator, for your encouragement and loving prayers on our behalf. Please know that Steve and I pray for you and Anita also. How we desire that YOU are blessed as you’re always reaching out to bless others!
Prayer is so needed at this time. Your example prayers are excellent. God is the one who is ultimately in control. Though there is definitely one side I favor and will vote for, whatever the outcome, somehow it fits into God’s plans.
I feel it is also important to not engage in the debate. If people want to discuss things, I will , but I do not wish to get into pointless debates.
I agree, Matt: debate rarely convinces someone to change their opinion. Like my father used to say, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still!” PRAYER, on the other hand, has a much better track record of bringing about change! / Praise God HE is in control! I don’t know how people sleep at night without that assurance.
Thank you for this amazingly articulate, inspiring, and instructive guide in how Christ’s children should pray for this election while following God’s precepts. It considers everything of importance as we approach this contentious election.
I was reminded this week that whoever wins, JESUS IS KING! This gives me a peace that ‘passes all understanding’ no matter the outcome.
I have shared the entire writing with my friends.
Thank you, Cheri–I’m honored. Praise God for guiding me as I composed this prayer! Yes, yes–reminding ourselves that Jesus is our sovereign King certainly calms the “what-ifs.”
Nancy, I have been praying for our country for many years. Thank you for sharing these prayers. No matter what happens, God is sovereign and He reigns!
Amen, my friend! How reassuring to know that our all-powerful, all-wise heavenly Father is in control, and we are in his care!
Your prayers are heart filled and spot on. Often it’s best to be silent, knowing that God’s will is always for our good. His will be done!
Are you referring to silence with those who may not see political and social issues in the same light? I agree, Kathy. Discussion can too easily turn into an unresolvable argument. As I quoted to Matt above, here’s something my father used to say: A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” Prayer is much more effective than debate!
Amen!
I love your prayer! It speaks to truth, justice, and hope that we’ve long had too little of in this country. I know the Lord will allow in office whom He sees fit–so I’ll add to your prayer that we as followers of Jesus would be alert and ready to act in truth and grace, not get lazy or complacent and not get angry and contentious. Loving one another as believers seems to becoming harder and harder to do. We’re not defined by our vote–we’re defined by Jesus.
Excellent point, Dayle. We Christians should be worthy examples to follow of maintaining unity in spite of differences, and listening to understand, not listening to respond. Thank you for your worthwhile addition to our prayer!
Amen! May God forgive us for any past complacency.
Amen, Annie!
This is a phenomenal prayer! It’s powerful and prompts us to think beyond the media blitz to what is most important while praising God and asking Him for guidance. Thank you, Nancy! 🙂
Praise God, Nancy, you found power within this prayer! Even as we pour out our hearts to him on behalf of our country, he IS our refuge (Psalm 62:8)!
A beautiful prayer, Nancy! Thank you for suggesting this wonderful antidote to the divisiveness of the election.
You’re welcome, Wynne. Praise God for his inspiration!
Dear Nancy, if ever we needed to be praying it’d be now … thank you for this reminder, these examples, and a focus on the One who holds the whole world, from the beginning of time til the very end, in His most capable hands.
I loved what you said that prayer is better than debate. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
You’re welcome for the reminder, Linda. Praise God he DOES hold the whole world in his capable hands. I would find it very hard to sleep at night without that assurance!
Prayer and more prayer! We have to keep reminding ourselves that God is in control – regardless of how crazy it may seem right now.
Amen Barb. Praise God–“the One who knows best is the One in charge”–Jean Wise (Christmas Crossroads)!
These are good prayers, Nancy. I keep praying for peace and justice in our country during this election season and always.
Thank you, Mary. We do need God’s intervention in so many areas of life in America!
The 1 Timothy passage is another reminder how the Bible offers guidance and wisdom in virtually every aspect of our lives, including those where we might least expect it (or should I say, where “I” least expected it 🙂 )
Agreed, Dave, God’s Word is an incredible resource of instruction, wisdom, and encouragement for whatever we face. How comforting to know “the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is trustworthy” (Psalm 33:4 HCSB)!
Nancy,
Wow! What an amazing election. I hope good things are coming. Keep praying. In Christ, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
You’re so right, Gary. Just because the election is over doesn’t mean we can stop praying. Our leaders need God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and more; we have the privilege to support them with our prayers.
And unity in our United States. Let’s see what happens.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Oh yes–the citizens of our country do indeed need to come together, unified around those values we can agree on: safety and security in our communities, fiscal responsibility and wise spending of our taxes, more help and fewer hand-outs for those in need so they can become self-respecting and self-sufficient, etc. I pray we see peace and prosperity happen in America!
Amen. I pray some amazing things will happen especially some unity.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Your positive attitude toward the election and the state of affairs is quite noteworthy – yet, centered around selfishness and the majority’s desire to shower one’s personal values upon others continues to bother me. Peace, prosperity, respect, and more seem to be more of a one-way street …. and we know that is not a godly way.
By all means, Frank, the majority should respect the minority. Liberty, peace, and the pursuit of happiness–for ALL–are ideals America has stood for since its founding. (Yes, some have chosen to forget or ignore those ideals.) I’d be interested to know what unwanted values you feel the majority showers on others.