Now that both major political parties have picked their nominees for President of the United States, both candidates and their surrogates are on the campaign trail and the Presidential election season has kicked into high gear. However, the presidential election is not the only one happening this year. There are elections for the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and countless state, city, and other local political subdivisions. The Bible tells us that we should pray for everybody.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT [1] 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. [2] 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.
Christians face the challenge of how to pray for the candidate they don’t support. With the ever-widening gap over ideologies about the environment, race, gender identity, gun control, marriage, and the beginning of life (to name a few), it is becoming increasingly harder and harder for believers not to be affected and then be expected to remain neutral. It is nearly impossible not to get pulled into the whirlwind of partisan politics, which is consuming our country today.
With so much division in politics, it’s easy to get caught up in heated debates, but Scripture calls believers to a different path—one of peace, reasonableness, and prayer. Regardless of personal political leanings, every candidate needs the prayers of faithful followers of Christ.
Praying for candidates should focus on qualities like wisdom, grace, humility, truthfulness, safety, health, and, most importantly, salvation. By lifting up all the candidates we support and those we don’t support, Christians can trust in God's sovereignty over all authority and demonstrate His love and character to a watching world. God is ultimately in control no matter who holds office.
I won’t be so arrogant as to tell you how or what to pray but I will share some of my personal prayers for this election year.
Father, forgive us for the times we’ve entered a conversation without really listening. Show us how to listen with open and humble hearts, especially to people different from us. Help our leaders to do the same. Teach us to focus less on getting our way and more on loving our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us. Lord, give our leaders and prospective leaders the strength to be humble, soft-hearted, and willing to listen to every voice.
God Almighty, thank You for creating each of us with unique gifts, and for gifting some of us with leadership abilities to help guide our country. For everyone running for office, whether they win or lose, refresh their spirits and encourage them. Give them the strength to make good decisions both in and out of the public’s scrutiny. Help them to give grace and to receive it. Protect their families from sickness, bitterness, and discouragement. May every candidate and leader be encouraged by the truth that Your love is always stronger than hate.
Father, thank You for humbling yourself and emptying yourself of the glory of heaven to come to the earth and walk alongside us as humans. Help our leaders be willing to walk alongside each other, their constituents, and especially the marginalized. Our leaders have different opinions and priorities; give them the wisdom to navigate differences and work together to strengthen our country. Remind us in this election year that You have called Christians to be one body.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT [1] 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. [2] 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.
Christians face the challenge of how to pray for the candidate they don’t support. With the ever-widening gap over ideologies about the environment, race, gender identity, gun control, marriage, and the beginning of life (to name a few), it is becoming increasingly harder and harder for believers not to be affected and then be expected to remain neutral. It is nearly impossible not to get pulled into the whirlwind of partisan politics, which is consuming our country today.
With so much division in politics, it’s easy to get caught up in heated debates, but Scripture calls believers to a different path—one of peace, reasonableness, and prayer. Regardless of personal political leanings, every candidate needs the prayers of faithful followers of Christ.
Praying for candidates should focus on qualities like wisdom, grace, humility, truthfulness, safety, health, and, most importantly, salvation. By lifting up all the candidates we support and those we don’t support, Christians can trust in God's sovereignty over all authority and demonstrate His love and character to a watching world. God is ultimately in control no matter who holds office.
I won’t be so arrogant as to tell you how or what to pray but I will share some of my personal prayers for this election year.
Father, forgive us for the times we’ve entered a conversation without really listening. Show us how to listen with open and humble hearts, especially to people different from us. Help our leaders to do the same. Teach us to focus less on getting our way and more on loving our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us. Lord, give our leaders and prospective leaders the strength to be humble, soft-hearted, and willing to listen to every voice.
God Almighty, thank You for creating each of us with unique gifts, and for gifting some of us with leadership abilities to help guide our country. For everyone running for office, whether they win or lose, refresh their spirits and encourage them. Give them the strength to make good decisions both in and out of the public’s scrutiny. Help them to give grace and to receive it. Protect their families from sickness, bitterness, and discouragement. May every candidate and leader be encouraged by the truth that Your love is always stronger than hate.
Father, thank You for humbling yourself and emptying yourself of the glory of heaven to come to the earth and walk alongside us as humans. Help our leaders be willing to walk alongside each other, their constituents, and especially the marginalized. Our leaders have different opinions and priorities; give them the wisdom to navigate differences and work together to strengthen our country. Remind us in this election year that You have called Christians to be one body.
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