Today is Election Day—a day to cover in prayer. Here are a few historical prayers that might guide you as you pray:
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“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.”
The Apostle Paul (1 Tim 2:1)
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“Dear Lord God, guide the hearts of our leaders to your praise and glory, and to the welfare of the land. Enlighten all who are in authority and move them to do what is right. Preserve your people, your judgment, your righteousness, and all administration of justice in this nation and throughout the world.”
Martin Luther, Luther’s Prayers (Kindle Locations 759-760). Kindle Edition.
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“Lord, we pray for our country with all our heart; and as Thou biddest us we pray for those in authority, for the Sovereign as supreme, for the Court of Parliament, for all magistrates and rulers. We pray also for the poorest and the down-trodden. The Lord look upon the poor of this world, and make them rich in faith, and comfort them in heart by the Holy Ghost. The Lord save the nation.”
Charles Spurgeon and Bernice Aguilera, C. H. Spurgeon’s Prayers (p. 108). Kindle Edition.
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“O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.”
The Book of Common Prayer: Pocket edition (pp. 732-733). Good Books. Kindle Edition.
May God help us as a nation!
Whatever the outcome of the election, whether the candidates we support win or lose, we do need to pray for nation and its leaders. We also need to pray for our nation’s churches that they seek always to be beacons of light in the land, faithful to our Lord’s teaching and example, showing the kind of love toward others that God shows toward us, and undistracted by worldly things. Our Lord compared the kingdom of God to leaven in dough. It multiplies and spreads, causing the dough to rise. We cannot advance the kingdom through legislation, presidential executive orders, and judicial appointments as tempting as that may be. The kingdom advances when we make new disciples, when Jesus’ influence spread through us to others, when God’s grace transforms hearts, minds, and lives. The kingdom inches forward each time Jesus genuinely becomes the Lord of someone’s life and they begin to live their lives Jesus’ way and not their own.