Election Day Prayer

Today is election day here in the United States. I thought it would be good to give you words of comfort from God’s word and offer a prayer for our elections.

As believers, we know, and the Bible tells us, that nothing happens here in this world unless God establishes it that way. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 13:1, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” ~ (NIV)

No matter who is elected as president of the United States, we will be fine, because our trust is not in man or leaders of the world or nations of the world. Our trust is in Jesus! Jesus tells his disciples and us in the Gospel of John, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ 16:33 (NIV).

There is so much uncertainty, anxiety, and fear in our neighborhoods right now about the future. To be honest, the future is always uncertain. We cannot control that, but we can put our trust in God in the midst of our uncertainties. The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians and says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ 4:6-7 (NIV)

And finally, in the midst of the things we cannot control, we pray. The Apostle Paul writes, “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.” ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

And we pray:

Almighty and all-knowing God, creator of heaven and earth,

we know that we have our future secure in you

and that no matter who is elected president today,

you are still the King of all creation and our world.

May your hand be upon leaders and people who are going

to the voting booths to cast their votes.

Let our votes help those who are struggling

to make ends meet and those in need.

And forgive us if we have sinned

in any way during this election.

Help us understand that our lives

here in this world are temporary

and as your children, we look forward to the day when you

will come again to reign in all glory and honor.

On that day there will be no more fear, tears and death.

On that day you alone will reign forever.

Today we pray that you grant us peace to live lives

that honor and bring you glory.

Grant us ways to love our neighbor and to love our enemies.

Take away our anxieties and fear and

fill us with your comfort and love.

We pray all these things in Jesus,

your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God now and forever. Amen.