We praise You, Father, because You are the Lord our God, the Almighty, who reigns (Rev 19:6). Your throne is established from eternity. (Psa 93:2). To You and to Your Son, who sit on the throne, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever. (Rev 5:13)
Father, we are all as nothing compared to You. (Dan 4:34) All the nations are like a drop of water from a bucket in Your sight (Isa 40:15). And You do all things according to Your will; no ruler or nation can thwart Your hand. (Dan 4:35) Everything that happens, not only in an election, but everything unfolds according to Your sovereign plan, which is perfect, wise, and good (Rom 12:2)
We confess that we have placed people above You. We have looked to leaders to save us, to offer lasting security and strength. (Psa 96:4-5) We have also feared others, falsely believing that their rule will mean the end to our security and strength. We confess that we have hoped in government, rather than You, the One who sets them up and tears them down (Dan 2:21).
We thank You for forgiving us of our idolatry of rulers. Thank you for forgiving us of our anger and despair when rulers and policies we disagree with are established. Thank you for forgiving us when we are self-righteous, angry, or anxious over the concerns that dominate unbelievers’ minds. And thank you for being our King and Father. For adopting us into Your family. For so gently, wisely, and lovingly ruling over us for our greatest good always. (Rom 8:28-29).
So, we turn to You, Father, and to You, Lord Jesus, by Your Holy Spirit, as we come to this election. We pray the following. . .
for peace and civility among those of differing convictions. Restrain any violence in the land by Your grace.
that our leaders will rule in such a way that we can lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity, (1 Tim 2:1-3) not tearing down our leaders or rebelling against those whom You have installed. (Rom 13:1-7)
for our saved elected officials to represent Christ well. Enable them to stand firm in Him as they carry out their duties. Help them suffer, if it comes to that, for righteousness’ sake, and not for power or control or selfish ambition of any kind. (1 Pet 3:14-16)
that our unbelieving leaders will be saved through the knowledge of the Gospel – that there is only one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who is the only ransom offered to all to pay for their sins (1 Tim 2:4-7).
that Your church, the body of Christ, would rally around the only unifying power in heaven and on earth – the Gospel of Christ. (Eph 2:14-16) May our unity in Christ be expressed in a deep, abiding family-love for one another. May this love flow out to the world in gospel-preaching and in good deeds. May we seek to be at peace with all so far as it depends on us. (Rom 12:18)
Regardless of the results of this election, give us grace to be gracious, humble, and wise as we delight in Your love for us.
How lovely on the mountainsAre the feet of him who brings good news,Who announces peaceAnd brings good news of happiness,Who announces salvation,And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isa 52:7)
