rHow Should We Pray in National Elections?
This is a very good question. Several things come quickly to mind from my scripture studies. Let me share them:
- My ways are higher Isaiah 55:8-9 King James Version (KJV)
Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
- Jeremiah 29:11 which says in Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
What I draw from the above is—that in praying it is important to seek God’s ways. His ways are written in the scriptures, and they are our guide—a guide which gives us hope.
Scripture gives definite direction for our praying.
- In 1 Timothy 2King James Version (KJV) we have a scripture that covers a lot. It does not differentiate Republican from Democrat, or from Green Party, or whatever—it applies to praying for ALL.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (KJV)
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
The focus of this scripture is to pray for ALL. How do we do this? We do this by giving thanks for them, whether or not we agree with them. That approach is certainly not man’s way. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) says
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Frankly—at times giving thanks is difficult, but that is what the scriptures say to do.
Also, our prayers should focus on what Christ wanted for all of us. This is found through-out scripture and focuses on the fact—that God wants to draw them to Himself. John 3:16 says:
John 3:16 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I have personally studied 31 Names of God, and through that study, and also looking at other Hebrew words, utilizing the meanings of the Hebrew letters in the words, I have concluded that God wants us to be a part of His Household, or His Family. John 3:16 supports that conclusion,. and also that God has a wonderful plan for us.
In any political election, there is a temptation to pray what we ‘personally’ want.
From my study and experience, our prayers should be based on scripture—God’s Holy Word—The Bible—and avoiding the temptation to pray what we want. That type of prayer is simply not scriptural. Praying what we want, and not what the Bible shows us, can be manipulative prayer, which we should have no part of. The self-directed praying approach may lead to what some call unanswered prayers. This happens because such prayer may be asking amiss (James 2:2)—asking amiss includes praying what we want, for reasons that are not in line with scripture. Praying what the scripture says is so important—because scripture is the will of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17King James Version (KJV) says 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. We need to be careful not to take scripture out of context—and we do need to accept it at face value, not trying to fit it into our personal belief. It is God’s standard to us.
The above does not mean that if there is something we need, we should not pray for it—but if it is for truly selfish reasons, then we need to check to the scripture. Also we might think something should be a particular way—Example—a particular political party needs to be in power—that is a self-focused example—God did not say He is a Republican, or Democrat, or Green party, or whatever. That type of focus is looking to something other than God to solve our problems—
What the Bible says: Proverbs 21:1 (KJV) says
1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
We should be asking the Lord to turn the hearts of Kings—Leaders—Presidents. That is our responsibility in prayer—that He will lead them according to His word. When the Scripture says that the “king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water” (Proverbs 21:1), it means that a Sovereign God can turn the heart of a king at any time and in any way. If there are policies and platforms that don’t conform to biblical ethics, the intercession of Christians can be used in a powerful, transforming way. -- Franklin Graham
When praying, you can use the word of God from the Bible, using words and thoughts from Scripture in your praying. Also, as we pray for others—we should also search ourselves. We might be praying about an issue that we have within ourselves. The Bible says to cast the mote out of your eye first. That is done through our humbling ourselves before God. Matthew 7:5 says “first cast out the beam out of thine own eye.” Applying this to praying for leaders—or potential leaders, humility is needed. I do not pray that the other person will humble themselves. I pray that I will humble myself before the Lord.
Just because a political candidate does not have policies that conform to biblical ethics, we still must pray for them, in obedience, and in accordance with scripture.
From what I have seen in this campaign season, we are seeing serious issues on both sides. There much wrong on both sides.
In voting another important question is, who will come closest to upholding our constitution and underlying values that established it. Each person must answer that for themselves and vote.
I encourage all who read this to put aside personal prejudices toward any particular candidate, and examine their integrity, seeking God’s help. You may have to do some study of scripture—that will help—God’s word contains His wisdom.
To all who genuinely seek the Lord in this upcoming election, may the Lord guide you and direct your vote.
Lewis Turner
>>>KEEP SCROLLING for RELATED CONTENT & COMMENTARY, RESOURCES & REPLIES
Tmely words, Lewis!! How often - especially in the area of politics - we tend to bring God the answers rather than seeking his answers. Rather than asking him who would be the best leader, we decide on our own who that would be, then ask God to bring that person into power. It sounds silly when put that way, but that's what we tend to do. I have been in prayer groups that have at times been more than a little divisive over this issue.
Scripture tells us that "When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding." Several times in Proverbs we see this idea that that rulers who lead in righteousness bring prosperity and peace to the people.
I agree with you that there are some serious concerns on both sides in the Presidential election, but it doesn't stop there. All the way down to local school boards who have input into what our children will be taught, there is a serious need for rulers who will lead in righteousness.
My prayer for this election is that God will raise up the right people, then that he will make those people "right" by drawing them into ever closer relationship with Himself.