3 Things to Pray As We Approach Elections (A Non-Political, Non-Partisan Post)

Photo: Nashad Abdu

Photo: Nashad Abdu

Before I dive in, let me just say, I won't be bashing or endorsing any candidate in this post. This is simply a guide to your personal prayer life with respect to the coming elections. You won't see pictures of elephants or donkeys, just a lion. It's a Biblical approach. You're safe here…no matter how you vote in November. I promise.

 

There's a lot going on in our part of the world isn't there? Whewww. How do we make sense of all that's going on? Which way is up? Which way is right? Should we even vote?

 

Let me give you 3 practical prayers to pray as we hit the final stretch of these presidential campaigns.

 

PRAYER #1

Lord please give me wisdom.

 

Wisdom is always good, all the time. It's non-partisan and by-partisan. It's just good-son! (Did you get it? That was a joke. Never mind.)

 

James 1:5-6 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

 

God wants us to ask for wisdom. If you are confused, battling your conscience, or asking hard questions about this election: Welcome to humanity. It's okay. It's actually good. You're not alone. Let's ask for wisdom. But, I challenge you to ask with expectation. Expect God to actually give you discernment and wisdom. This might even mean that God changes your mind about something…or not.

 

Ask for wisdom.

Expect wisdom.

Apply wisdom.

 

PRAYER #2

Lord, let Your kingdom come, and Your will be done.

 

Have you ever noticed that most destinations have more than one route? I can think of three different ways just to get back to my house from the grocery store. God is not going to get thrown off His throne or miss His Kingdom destination by what might feel like an irreversible detour, no matter who's in power.

 

God is in control. The Lion of Judah is not in distress. He is the King above all Kings…even above POTUS. Breathe in. Breathe out. That's the very breath of God inside of you.

 

Does this mean we don't worry or fret? Actually, yes. Instead we pray. We align our heart with God's. He knows the plan. He knows how this world timeline is going to play out. He knows all the key players.

 

We need to trust the will and heart of God. We don't know everything. And we can't see the future. Let God do the heavy lifting. And us? Let's pray for His kingdom to come and let's endeavor to live that out the best we can with the wisdom He's giving us right now.

 

PRAYER #3

Lord, help me to love and show respect to my friends, my neighbors, and my enemies - even the ones who leave mean comments on social media.

 

I'm giggling as I write this because…well, there's a lot, too much crazy, flying around on Facebook. It's not nice. It's not even cordial. Here's the litmus test: If you wouldn't say it to someone's face with your grandmother present, don't say it. Don't comment it. Don't mutter it under your breath. Just breathe…and move on. Or move off. Take a breather from social media. The world will continue to spin on its axis.

 

And frankly, your peace is worth it.

 

Let's be careful not to become what we are criticizing. Choose to love even when people are being mean.

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Love well my brothers and sisters. You can do it! Greater is the One who is in you, than any candidate who is running for president.

 

Isaiah 14:27 (NASB)

"For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?"

 

Joyfully,

Rachel B.