Pray and vote
We’d have to live in a cave far beneath the Earth or a bubble completely isolated from television, social media, and the barrage of snail mail advertisements not to be aware of the ongoing election process in the United States.
Are you tired of angry political ads? Are you bemoaning the long, drawn- out process of selecting our leaders? Are you looking forward to when the election is over?
Leaders are essential
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
If we think about it, we recognize the need for good leadership. Throughout our nation, men and women of integrity serve in roles to guide, protect, and serve the people of our country. My message today is not to condemn any of our leaders or to recommend any particular person of party, but rather, to encourage you to do your part in choosing those people who serve in positions of authority.
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:17
Sometimes we humans don’t like to admit that we need guidance and authority. We want to make our own decisions and be in control of our own destiny. We can–in a way. In the United States, we are blessed to have a voice in the selection of our leaders.
We have the freedom, honor, and privilege to vote.
In many states, the process of early voting has begun. Certainly, campaigning is in full swing! I hope you will make your voice count this year–that you will take the time to review all candidates in your area–that you will investigate their platform and beliefs and pray about your choice. There are three ways to vote–absentee, early voting, and on November 3, Election Day.
Let your voice be counted this year! Thank you if you have already voted.
Pray for our leaders
Serving as an elected official or a leader in any capacity is a challenge. These people need our prayers.
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. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
We need prayers in making our voting selections. Our current and future leaders (elected in November) need our prayers for wisdom as they govern at the local, state, and national levels.
I hope you will join me in this prayer, modified from Proverbs 2:1-8
We pray, Father, that we can accept your guidance, and store up your commands within us; that our ears and those of our leaders will turn to hear your wisdom and apply your wisdom to our hearts and minds. Indeed, Father, we call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding. Guide us to search for your wisdom as if seeking hidden treasure, that we will respect and gain from your knowledge. You, Lord, grant wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; you hold success in store for the upright. You are a shield for those whose walk is blameless. Father, we ask that you guide and guard our walk and protect us through your faithfulness. Amen
Amen Ms. Katherine. Praying every day for our nation and its leaders, on both sides of the aisle. I agree with Peter and Paul (Romans) and their instruction, but I also realize that we are to obey the government and its leaders when it follows the precepts taught by God’s word. When a government no longer applies God’s guidance in governing, then in my mind, the words of Acts 5:29 will ring true. As you’ve seen in some of my writings, the whole concept of “hyphenated Americans” bothers me. It does because in all cases, America comes second. So if Satan (the Great Divider) wants to separate us Americans in that way, I choose to be a Christian-American. My Lord must and will always come before my nationality. After all, this world is no longer my home. God’s blessings ma’am; and thank you so much for your wise counsel.
J.D., your faith always comes forth in your message. I’m grateful that our country protects our right to openly express our opinions within the lawful guidelines of our Constitution. I too, am a Christian American, and I pray that we can express our views respectfully and lovingly and that we can show our love for Christ and one another by our actions every day. Like you, I’m praying for our leaders, that they be guided by the principles of fairness, rightness, compassion, and respect for our country and one another.
Amen !! Prayer is so important in any decisions we need to make. Thanks for your gentle words and loving heart.
Thank you, Jeanne! Your point is an important reminder–it isn’t just our leaders that need to pray for guidance for decisions–so do we! Wishing you a blessed week.
Thanks so much for sharing about praying for the election. My last two blog posts have been nearly the same topic because I feel a heavy burden to pray for our country right now. May the Lord bless your post and cause many to pray in response.
We’ve seen many messages and requests for prayer for our country and this election. I’m so glad people are calling for our Father’s intervention. I don’t think there’s such a thing as too much prayer. In this time of sickness, turmoil, and conflicting political claims, we are so in need of His guidance.
Yes, we do need to pray for our leaders and not just during election time. Whoever holds an office from local to national affects our lives. As we pray for godly wisdom in voting, we also pray that candidates eyes will be opened to truth and that our Christian heritage can remain in America. Thanks, Katherine!
Thank you, Barbara, for pointing out that we need to pray for our leaders and our country ALL the time, not just during election year. I grateful for your reminder and for sharing your thoughts here. Yes–we need wisdom and truth–this election and ongoing–PRAYING!
Katherine, thank you for the beautiful, strong prayer you included, as well as the reminder to pray continually for our country and our leaders. I’m going to add the 1 Timothy verse to my prayer notebook.
Thank you, Jeannie. We need to pray for our leaders ALL the time, but the closer we come to Election Day, I’m reminded our leaders (both here and abroad) really need our prayers. Thank you praying!
Thank you for these wonderful reminders. It’s so important that we be in prayer for our leaders. I think many of us fall into the trap of praying for a certain outcome or a particular party when we should be praying for revival in the hearts of our leaders.
I agree, Joshua. I often tend to pray for certain outcomes when, as you say, I should be praying for revival in our hearts and the hearts of our leaders. Thank you for sharing that important prayer need.
I pray that God’s will be done come election day. We mustn’t give up hope nor prayer even when the election process doesn’t go our way. How appropriate is the plea in Timothy 2:1-2 …”that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.”
Thanks Katherine, for your heartfelt reminder that we keep the main thing the main thing!
Candyce, it has been an honor and privilege for me to work at the polls this year. I have felt the joy of helping others, along with the satisfaction of contributing to our democratic process. Like you, I pray that we continue to pray for our leaders and, as you point out, that God’s will guides us through this process of choosing our leaders.