Don’t get me wrong, reflection is so needed in our age of knee jerk reactions. It is good to take a deep breath, step away from the noise of angry voices and think about what is going on. Reflecting instead of reacting is making a beginning of what I call, “being a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.” But there is something much more powerful and healing we can do. We can pray!
Think about this radical truth: God invites us to invite Him into our messes to clean up what we can’t. He invites us to invite Him into our problems to solve what we can’t. He invites us to invite Him into our impasses to open up a way forward. He Who spoke the atmosphere into being can shift our atmosphere of anxiety, divisiveness, hostility and hopelessness into one of peace, unity, love and hope. All we have to do is say yes to His invitation to pray.
Here’s an intriguing thought: Prayer is Political Engagement in God’s Kingdom Reign here on earth!
Prayer is Political Engagement in God’s Kingdom Reign here on earth!
Jesus introduced this idea to His disciples when He taught them to pray:
“Our Father, Who is in heaven, let Your Name be honored and elevated here on earth as it is in heaven. Let Your Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven. Let Your Will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.”
“On earth as it is in heaven.” That’s how God wants us to pray.
24/7 Prayer has a helpful guide to intercede for our elections taking place today, for the process, for peace, for the voters, for the media, for the leaders, for our nation, and for the church leading the “Jesus’ Way” forward. I’ve included it here to guide your prayers now.
May His Name be honored, His Kingdom come and His will be done in this time and place for His glory and our thriving! In Jesus Name!
Pray for Elections
As we come into prayer now, let’s pause for a moment and present our hearts to the Holy Spirit, asking him to bring us into his perspective.
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”Isaiah 41:13
Lord, I know that you are so much bigger than anything we are facing. Thank you that you reign above it all. As I pray today, I ask you to lead me into your perspective of the situation, full of your comfort, your authority, and your hope.
Pray for the Process
Pray for the polls and vote counting
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors.”Proverbs 11:14
Let’s pray for the process of vote casting:
That it would be safe, fair, and accessible to all.
That God would protect polling stations and make them places of peace.
That every vote would be counted and accurately reported.
That election workers would be filled with peace, surrounded by safety, and able to work with efficiency and integrity.
Pray for Peace
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:6
Tensions run high around elections, so let’s pray for peace to cover every part of the process:
That Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would reign over the nation with his peace.
That God would help any frustration to be channeled into productive action and conversation.
That there would be no violence of any kind.
That if there is to be an exchange of power, it should happen peacefully and with respect.
Pray for voters
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17
Let’s pray for everyone voting in the upcoming election:
That God would give voters ‘wisdom from heaven’ so that they can be ‘impartial and sincere.’
That young voters and first-time voters would feel empowered to make their voices heard.
That the process of casting a vote is straightforward and safe for every voter.
That voters make decisions with godly wisdom, led by the Holy Spirit.
Pray for the nation
Pray against principalities
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
Isaiah 61:17
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:12
There are spiritual realities involved in human circumstance, and Jesus has ultimate authority over every ‘spiritual force of evil’ in our world. Let’s pray against the darkness that is enflaming fear, despair, and violence in people’s hearts:
That where there is division, God would bring unity and respect. Let’s bless each political party and different group with a heart for unity and cooperation.
That where there are lies and false narratives, God would bring revelation and truth.
That where there is despair, God would bring hope and vision. As we read the verse from Isaiah again, let’s remember that this is what Jesus does. He is at work in our nation. Let’s pray for his vision for our nation to inspire hope.
Pray for media
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let’s pray that the media contribute to these elections in helpful ways:
That reporting will be accurate and true.
That the media will promote conversation rather than division.
That there will be no ‘brawling and slander’ or malice, but rather words that speak the truth in love.
That God will work among the media to shed light on what is hidden.
Pray for the church
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
Let’s pray for the church to bear God’s light during these elections:
That in the church we would keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, not becoming overwhelmed by the circumstances or placing all our hope in human leadership.
That the church would lead the way in humility, truth, compassion and love throughout these elections – especially with those who we may disagree with.
That God would give us wisdom to know not just how to vote in a way that honours him, but also what ‘good works’ he is calling us into to express his Kingdom during this time.
That God would protect the church from any persecution or violence during these elections.
Pray for the future
Pray for the leaders
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”1 Timothy 2:1-3
Let’s pray for the leaders who are involved in this election:
That God would bless each candidate, successful or not, with wisdom and grace.
That God would give our political leaders a heart for unity and peace.
That God would intervene to bring the leaders who will best serve his vision for our nation into power.
That God will raise up righteous leaders who are trustworthy, ethical, and pure of heart.
Pray for justice
“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.’”
Zechariah 7:9-10
As we look to a future beyond these elections, let’s pray:
That God establishes a government of justice and righteousness in our nation.
That all forms of injustice and corruption are exposed and destroyed.
That those in power actively fight against all forms of oppression and
discrimination, allowing freedom to flourish.
That mercy and compassion for all people are restored in laws, policies, and our hearts.
Lord, You are even now upon Your Throne and You are on the move to make all things new and good again. In this time as we live between Your first and second comings, we intercede for Your Kingdom, Your power and your glory to break through, in Jesus’ Name!