By: Pastor Brandon Freeman
Father in heaven,
As we consider the general election, we pray that we find our identity in New Testament terms as sojourners and exiles (1 Pet 1:1), realizing that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20). You promise us a better possession and an abiding one (Heb 10:34) in the city to come. We pray that our response to the results of the election will show our friends and neighbors the reason for the hope that is in us (1 Pet 3:15).
Make us a people who have the aroma of another world with another King.[i] We pray for Donald Trump and Joe Biden, for we know that you desire everyone to be saved (1 Tim 2:4). Lead them to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 2:25).
Restrain the pride and folly of both leaders. Superintend the future president and congress toward justice and righteousness. We request that the government would recognize that they possess authority only because you have given it to them (Rom 13:1, 3–4). They are your servants and are accountable to you. You are the only true sovereign (Ps 22:28). May the authorities meant to do your work be kept from doing the work of the devil (2 Tim 2:26). Enable them to punish evil, approve what is good (1 Pet 2:13–14), maintain peace, and protect the oppressed. We ask that America’s first freedom—religious liberty—be upheld.
Lord, we also pray that you would awaken America to no longer permit violence to the unborn—the weakest members of the human race. We ask that there would be an end to racial superiority, animosity, and oppression in our country. May the church display your manifest wisdom in its Christ-obtained unity (Eph 3:8–11). Keep the result of the election from leading to further unrest and rioting. Make us a country that values the truth. Exchange our country’s willingness to lie and deceive at any cost with objective morals that do not waver from what you have declared to be right.
As church members, help us work toward unity, humility, and empathy toward those who disagree politically. Regardless of the outcome of the election, may we honor the president and continue to pray for those in high positions. We want to be obedient to Scripture by giving “respect to whom respect is owed” and giving “honor to whom honor is owed” (Rom 13:7). Help us to honor the emperor (1 Pet 2:17).
We pray that America would be a place where Christians can lead peaceful and quiet lives, godly and holy (1 Tim 2:2). Ready us for circumstances where we might experience exclusion for Christ’s sake. Give us wisdom on when and how to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Let us remember that for the faithful, their reward is great in heaven (Matt 5:12). Cause us to believe that to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil 1:21). Our desire is to follow our Lord, who entrusted Himself to you who judges justly (1 Pet 2:23).
We submit these requests to you because you promise to build your church (Matt 16:18) and because you control all things for the goal of your own glory and our joy in you. We trust that your sovereign control guarantees your purposes will be fulfilled in the world and in America. Enable us to be faithful as Christians and as a church regardless of the political and cultural circumstances.
Have mercy on us, Lord, for your name’s sake. Amen.
[i] Policies, Persons, and Paths to Ruin: Pondering the Implications of the 2020 Election