- Have you been irritated by bickering on Facebook during this election cycle?
- Have you fallen into personal arguments with family or friends over politics?
- Have you fretted over what will happen if a particular candidate wins or loses?
This month at the blog we’re looking at our hurting world. And how we can pray for it.
This includes praying for our political system. But what are we to pray?
Stirred Up
We’ve either experienced it and/or seen it more the past few months: fear, cynicism, anger, and worries.
- If Candidate A wins, what will happen to national security?
- If Candidate B wins, will moral character go out the window?
- If I vote for a third party, will it be wasted?
- Should I even vote at all?
What is God thinking and what does He expect us to do?
Don’t Trust in Horses
Our problem isn’t new. Because all our leaders are human, all our past and current leaders have been flawed. And will be flawed in the future. That’s a given.
When we place complete trust in any person, we show we’re flawed, too.
Listen to what King David said (a great leader to the Hebrew people, albeit also flawed), thousands of years ago.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).
Or as The Message puts it:
“See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we’re making garlands for GOD our God” (Psalm 20:7, The Message).
When we trust too much in democracy or a better candidate or any political party, we too are polishing chariots and grooming horses.
So how can we trust in God instead in real-life ways?
4 Things to Pray
Here are 4 things to pray about during this political season. It is possible to stay spiritually hopeful through this election cycle. No matter what.
- Fear→BELIEF
Lord,
When we feel in danger, remind us You are in control. When we are insecure, be our strong refuge. Even when we feel defeated, we know You’ve already won the victory. No matter what.
- Cynicism→ACTION
Lord,
We’re often tempted to give up. We become distrustful of politicians and become negative about others’ motives and words. But You tell us to not grow weary. Let us remain hopeful and actively influential. First in our families, our neighborhoods, and our cities. Then in our states, nations, and world. No matter what.
- Anger→SERVICE
Lord,
Where prejudice exists—whether in us or in others—send us in with love. Show us opportunities to serve those who think differently than us. Help us lend a hand. Listen to learn. Meet real needs. We’ll never change anyone with angry lectures. But we can love people with Your gifts of grace. No matter what.
- Worry→REST
Lord,
Renew our minds to dwell on You in this day, not on potential troubles in the future. You have the past, present, and future in Your hands. Your help is here. Your help is now. We can rest in peace. No matter what.
Keep Love First
Politics has its place. Be informed. Stay engaged. But the place of politics isn’t first.
The greatest command is still this:
Love God, love others.
- If we lose our races, and also lose our faith, which loss is the greatest?
- If we win our elections, but lose our friendships, what have we gained?
True peace is only found in the eternal kingdom of God. No vote can abolish our fellowship with Him. No political party can strip away His love. No local councilman nor President of a country can overrule our capacity to love others.
Under God’s reign, we remain forever secure, ever hopeful, and lavishly loved by Christ.
No matter what.
Want more?
- Do I Really Have to Pray for Politicians I Oppose? by Darin Smith
- A Pastoral Perspective on the 2016 Election, Pass the Mic podcast by Tyler Burns and Pastor Earon James
Are you struggling with politics more than normal this year?
Is there a scripture that keeps you focused on Christ? Please share in the comments.
This is a great post Lisa! I am struggling with this election as are most! Thank you for the Scriptures. They are very helpful! God Bless:) Visiting today from Thankful Thursday!
I appreciate your encouragement. This is definitely a weird election season, but all the more reason for us to stay in prayer!
This is an inspirational post in a difficult season. You have describes our role as Christians with your words and Bible verses. I agree we must stay involved, pay attention to the news–but our first calling is to show love and shine a light that points people to Jesus. Thank-you, Lisa, for stating this so clearly!
I need to be reminded of this as much as anybody. It’s been easy for me to get frustrated when I listen to the news so I need reminders that we are still called to love in the midst of whatever is going on. Thanks for sharing, Carol.
“The place of politics isn’t first” ~ I love it, Lisa. I prayed the prayers and find myself thankful you’ve offered them. You’re a world changer via the cause of Christ. #thoughtprovokingThursday
Your words and prayers mean a lot, Kristi! Thank you.
Excellent advice, Lisa. I like to say our Savior’s prayer when it comes to times like this, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Excellent. Perfect words for this time and all times. His will! Thanks, Floyd.
Love this, Lisa. Will be sharing with my online prayer group. Thank you! xo
Thanks for sharing, Lyli. The more prayers, the better.
What a great post/perspective during this season! I think we are all questioning and wishing there were other candidates, but I’m voting for sure no matter what. Still praying as I continue to listen and watch and seek His direction.
It’s the best thing we can do, right? I’m praying for His direction, too! May we not grow weary in listening for His guidance.
I can always count on you to be positive! Thank you, Lisa! Much-needed words!
You’re welcome, Michele. I think we all are eager for positive words this election cycle. :)
I have to be honest, Lisa, it’s times like these that I’m somewhat relieved to be Canadian! Watching on, it all seems very confusing and upsetting—but your prayer list is a wonderful idea. And I love that Mother Theresa quote :) Priceless. Stopping by from #FaithFilledFriday
I hear you, Laura. I’ve heard more than one American say they might go to Canada after this election. ha. But it’s giving us more reasons to pray. :) The Mother Teresa quote is quite moving to me, too. I appreciate how God makes things bloom with the small seeds we plant.
My mom and I were just talking about the candidates last night. They all scare us! While we are trying to stay faithful in praying for this election, we know God has His hand all over it. No matter who gets elected, God allowed it to happen and it didn’t take Him by surprise. He is already in our future and knows who our next president will be if we even have one. Just remembering that helps keep me thinking positive. Thanks for these things to pray for and for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.
Yes! You have a beautiful attitude, Lori. We need not fear because whatever happens, God is still in control. That helps me stay positive, too. Thanks for your encouragement.
Amen! There is power in prayer. And there is much we need to pray about.
I agree, TC! I look forward to what you’ll have to share on this yourself.