5 Things to Pray for the Election

Americans are facing a weighty political decision. It’s hard to know how to vote—but thankfully God’s word shows us how to pray.

In 1 Peter 2 v 16-17 the apostle gives Christians five quick-fire instructions, all of which make great prayer requests in light of Tuesday’s election.

Heavenly Father, as we approach the election, please help me to…

1. “Live as God’s slaves.”

Pray that you would use your vote as “God’s slave”—not seeking what you want, but what your heavenly Master wants. Ask God for a humble, prayerful attitude towards the election—and ask for his wisdom as you cast your ballot.

2. “Show proper respect to everyone.”

Thank God for the privilege of a democratic process which allows everyone to participate. Pray that dialogue over the next few days would show honor to everyone, whatever their political views. Ask that proper respect would be shown by news agencies, politicians, and political activists—but most especially, pray that what comes out of your own mouth and keyboard would be respectful too.

3. “Love the family of believers.”

Thank God that you belong to a community more important and more permanent than your nation—you belong to a family of believers. Pray that your love and unity in the gospel would always supersede differences in political opinion. You can love your family of believers right now by spending some time praying for them, and seeking to carefully listen to the stories that have shaped their political views.

Be encouraged that however you vote, God knows the outcome.

4. “Fear God.”

Praise our Almighty Creator that he is completely and utterly sovereign. He ordains and restrains. Thank God that this means you don’t need to fear economic meltdown, Islamic terrorism, nuclear war, out-of-control-immigration, or anything else. Ask God to give you a reverent awe of his power that eclipses any anxiety about the future.

5. “Honor the emperor.”

Ask God to help you keep his command to honor the new President, whoever it is and whether or not they seem worthy of respect. Pray that you would show honor in the way that you think about them, talk about them and pray for them. Pray now that those whom God will put in authority would rule wisely and well, and that citizens would honor the government officials who strive to maintain the peace.

Finally, be encouraged that however you vote, God knows the outcome.

Helpful? Get more prayer ideas just like this in 5 things to pray for your church and 5 things to pray for the people you love.