Dr. Al Mohler has some great insights on how we can pray for our nation on this election day at
his blog. Below are the ten things he mentions
First, we should pray that God will bless America with leaders
better than we deserve. Democratic systems inevitably reflect the
electorate’s decisions, and these decisions reveal underlying
worldviews. And, truth be told, all we can expect from democracy is the
government we deserve. We must pray for a government and for leaders
better than we deserve. May God grant us mercy as he reigns and rules
over all things, including this election.
Second, we should pray that Americans will be motivated to fulfill
the responsibilities of citizenship, yet also that we will be stripped
of an unhealthy and idolatrous confidence in the power of government to
save us. God has given us the gift of rulers and governments in order
to restrain evil, uphold righteousness, and provide for civil order.
No human ruler can save. No government official or office holder can
heal the human heart, solve the sin problem, or accomplish final
justice. These powers belong to God and God alone.
Third, we must pray that Americans will vote by conscience, not
merely on the basis of celebrity or emotion. Christian citizens must
vote to uphold righteousness and contend for righteous and just laws.
But, at the same time, we must repent of moralism and the tacit
assumption that better laws would produce better people.
Fourth, we must pray that Americans will vote to defend the least
among us — and especially those who have no vote. This starts, but does
not end, with concern for the unborn and for the recovery of respect
for the dignity and sanctity of every single human life at every stage
of development, from conception until natural death.
Fifth, we should pray that God will prick the conscience of the
nation on issues of morality, righteousness, and respect for marriage as
the central institution of human civilization. So much ground appears
to have been lost on these issues. We need to pray that much ground
can be regained. Marriage itself is on the ballot this year, both in
the presidential election and in specific measures in four states. There
is much work to be done, and so much is at stake.
Sixth, we should pray that God will protect these candidates and
their families. They have been through an arduous ordeal and now face
the deadline of the vote. They are physically exhausted and now face
the judgment of the people. They are public figures, but they are also
flesh and blood human beings, who are fathers, mothers, sisters,
brothers, sons, and daughters. Their families have withstood much. We
should pray for their marriages and their children. May God protect
them.
Seventh, we should pray that the election is conducted with honor,
civility, respect, and justice. We must pray that we do not face
another round of litigation after an election. This brings democracy
into disrepute. May there be a clear winner, not a contested result.
Eighth, we must pray that Americans will be prepared to accept the
results of the election with respect and kindness. This will be no time
for rancor, condemnations, and conspiracy theories. Instead, we must
pray that God will settle the hearts of the people. May Christians be
ready to respond with prayer, respect for office, and a gentle spirit.
Others will be watching.
Ninth, we should pray that this election would lead to even greater
opportunities to preach the Gospel, and that the freedom of the church
will be respected, honored, and protected.
Tenth, we must pray for the church, praying that the church of the
Lord Jesus Christ would be strengthened in the truth, grounded in the
faith, and empowered for witness and ministry. May the church, the sign
of the coming kingdom, be faithful to declare the Gospel — knowing
that this is the only message that will save.
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