Every leap year we look forward to cheering for team USA in the Summer Olympics, and casting our vote for team USA in the US presidential election. Politicians fill our eyes and ears with promises and visions of tomorrow. We are reminded sometimes of what common values and principles bind us together as Americans, but we are also reminded of our differences. Much money, energy, and time is spent trying to influence where you cast your single vote. As believers, we search for God’s guidance in all of life, and politics is no different. That being said, who should you vote for, Christian?
Faith and Politics in Action
You will not find a direct answer to that question here, but allow it to be answered with another question: Who do you trust? The psalmist instructs us to have an undivided heart and trust only in the Lord. “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” Psalm 20:7(NASB95) Every election creates tension for Christians causing some to even reject the entire political process. Let’s examine what the Bible teaches us about a balanced approach to our electoral process and where we place our trust.
Prominent American historical theologian Al Mohler says, “Christians face the responsibility to vote, not only as citizens, but as Christians who seek to honor and follow Christ in all things. But, beyond the vote, we also bear the responsibility to pray for our nation. ”When the Apostle Paul teaches about prayer in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, he strongly encourages us to pray for those in authority. He reasons we want a good government that protects our freedom to seek God and evangelize those who are lost. Paul would be amazed to know the day would come when Christians could actually take part in selecting those leaders.
5 Seasons of Prayer for the Election
As we pray for the 2016 presidential election, we want to invite the Lord into the process of electing those leaders He has ordained for office “…so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” I Timothy 2:2(NASB95) consider these 5 Seasons of Prayer we can offer up to God on behalf of our election:
1. Our Nation
Ask the Lord to pour out a spirit of repentance on our nation that we might become a nation committed to following His ways.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB95)
‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Pray that a holy fear of God will sweep across our nation, leading us back to a place of wisdom.
Isaiah 50:10 (NASB95)
Who is among you that fears the Lord, That obeys the voice of His servant, That walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
Pray that our nation will increasingly see that God is our only refuge in the midst of the troubles of this world.
Jeremiah 33:6 (NASB95)
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth.
Pray for the judges of this nation, that they would seek the wisdom that comes from above.
Deuteronomy 4:8 (NASB95)
Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?
2. The Election Process
Pray for a safe and fair election.
Ask the Lord to remove those who might try to unjustly and illegally change the outcome of the voting.
John 14:1 (NASB95)
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
Pray for a huge turnout of voters.
Proverbs 4:6 (NASB95)
“Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.
Pray for protection from any attacks from enemies that would prevent or delay the election.
Deuteronomy 3:22 (NASB95)
‘Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.’
3. Candidates and Leaders
Pray for the salvation of those who are in leadership of our nation. Ask the Lord to remove all envy and selfish ambition.
James 3:16 (NASB95)
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
Pray that candidates will take brave stands for righteousness, even when it may not be well received.
Psalm 9:9 (NASB95)
The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble;
Ask the Lord to surround them with godly advisors.
Proverbs 1:7 (NASB95)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Ask the Lord to thwart the efforts of those who would remove religious freedom from our nation.
Galatians 5:1 (NASB95)
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
4. Media
Pray specifically for truth to be an established standard in our news media.
John 8:32 (NASB95)
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
Pray that media bias will be tempered by fairness.
Ephesians 5:11 (NASB95)
Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
5. Revival
Pray for another great spiritual awakening to sweep the nation as the Lord’s people learn to humble themselves with a contrite spirit, and to tremble at the Word of the Lord.
Isaiah 66:2 (NASB95)
2“For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Ask the Lord to bring revival to the Church in America.
Hebrews 12:2 (NASB95)
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Pray for the preachers of America to fearlessly proclaim the Word of God regarding sin and God’s love.
Romans 5:8 (NASB95)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Pray, Vote, and Trust God
Faith and politics can seem complicated. As you consider who to vote for, wait to see who won, and ultimately live with the election results, remember where your trust lies. Don’t forget who God is. He is good and we know He will ultimately be exalted among the nations. (Psalm 46:10) He is active and alive in our nation just as He was when the Israelites spent 400 years in bondage in Egypt. Pray for our country. Vote your conscience with the Holy Spirit. Trust only in God.
As we all pray for our nation, Oak Ridge Baptist Church invites you to join our church family and connect with the body of Christ in worship and in life.
