Scripture

Psalm 47:7-9 NIV

For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.

Prayer

Most Holy God, my Savior and my King:

With the very breath you give me, I bless your Name. I thank you for the privilege of living in the United States of America. I thank you for your abundant graces and help to America’s people and leaders as we have struggled over the decades to forge a nation that rules with justice and compassion. I thank you for all the times you stepped in and saved our people from disaster while we remained unaware. I thank you for partnering with America to bless others around the world who have needed help and hope. I thank you for the courage and wisdom of our early fathers and mothers who dreamed of living on a new shore under the banner of your mighty and benevolent sovereignty.

Our nation now stands at the threshold of an important election. Weary from months of pandemic shutdowns, violence in our streets, and hateful political rhetoric, we have nowhere to turn but to you, O God, for help and deliverance. Forgive us, I pray, for all the ways we have forsaken you—as individuals and as a nation—resisting your righteous ways to pursue our selfish agendas. Give us discerning minds and ears to hear your Spirit’s counsel as we consider how to cast our votes. More than ever, I ask for the mind of Christ so that I may rightly evaluate choices in the light of your kingdom ways and holy desires, and choose your words of truth over artful political speeches.

Fight for us, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Snatch our nation from the jaws of wickedness and restore her commitment to freedom and purity of purpose. Rekindle the love for you on which America was founded. Reawaken in us your righteous principles and values that will lead your people into peace and prosperity. Give us love and respect for one another and help us to bridge disagreements and heal in the aftermath of this election. Help us to pray for all those who are elected, even those for whom we did not vote, because we trust that all earthly rulers belong to you and can exist only under the authority your sovereign rule.

These things I ask in the strong and eternal Name of Jesus.