Work for the good of the city where I’ve taken you as captives, and pray to the Lord for that city. When it prospers, you will also prosper. (Jeremiah 29:7 GW)
Today many states, counties, and other jurisdictions are having elections. States like Virginia and New Jersey are electing governors. California is voting on a state constitutional amendment that would change the boundaries of the legislative districts. Many counties and cities are electing officers and mayors, many districts are voting on school milages, and some places even have ballot initiatives.
If you are like me, you are grateful for the constitutional republic we have, the freedom to vote, and the responsibilities that come with that freedom. Yet, the strife and struggle of politics, especially in the last 25 years, has left a somewhat bitter taste in one’s civic “mouth.” You go vote because you know it is important, but you are tired of the vitriol. So, at this moment you’re probably just thrilled (not!) that I’m reminding you today is an election day.
Which is why we have to pray. We are told that, “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving [should] 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 NIV) I expect that, like me, you want to live a peaceful and quiet life and you want that for your family and community. So, let us not quit interceding for our communities, our states, and our nation.
Praise be to the name of our God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are yours. You change times and seasons; you depose evil authorities and raises up others. You give wisdom and knowledge to the wise and discerning who seek you. So today we intercede for the elections taking place, asking that only the persons you have planned will be voted into office. We pray that these persons will be men and women of honor, integrity who seek your heart and listen to your voice in all their decision making. We pray that our officials would be given wisdom from heaven that is pure, peaceable, considerate and full of mercy. We pray that you would channel their lives toward what pleases you.
We ask for voters to seek your wisdom as they consider the variety of ballot initiatives and millage rate questions so that the best decisions are made for those local communities. We especially pray for school systems – that those in leadership would create environments where all people are loved and educated, but they would only teach truths that resonate with your Word and our constitutions. We pray for physical, mental, and spiritual protection over students, teachers, administrators, and all staff in education systems.
We pray in Jesus’s name against any and all violence that could come because of election results. We command the angels of the Lord to thwart any and all attacks of the enemy of our souls. We pray protection over law enforcement and first responders and pray for their safety, for their families, and for the ability to respond with wisdom in every situation. We pray that the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
We pray against all those who would participate in the sex trafficking industry.
We pray for reasonable and just economic answers to the troubling housing situation in our area.
We pray against the drug culture and its influence in our area.
We declare that JESUS is LORD over this county, this state, and this nation.
We pray for an awakening every part of this nation so that as lives are surrendered to you, our civic culture becomes more loving, kind, gracious, and just.
In this time of our deep need, help us again, as you have in past generations, to be people who seek you for wisdom as we vote. We ask this in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2 NLT)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. (Daniel 2:20-21 NIV)
In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. (Proverbs 21:1 NIV)