How to Pray for America on Election Day

Let’s talk about how we should be praying for our country, the upcoming election, and for godly leadership.

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As Christians, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you look at the state of our country today. The politics, the division, and the uncertainty about the future of America can feel like too much. But if you’re anything like me, you know that prayer is where the battle begins. It’s not just a nice sentiment or something we toss around because we don’t know what else to say. Prayer is our weapon. It’s the thing that moves mountains, breaks strongholds, and invites God into situations that seem impossible.

Let’s talk about how we should be praying for America, the upcoming election, and for godly leadership.

Why Is Humility Important in Praying for America?

First and foremost, we need to start with humility. We have to acknowledge that, as much as we think we know, God knows better. We need to get on our knees and ask God for wisdom and guidance—not just for our leaders but for ourselves.2 Chronicles 7:14 hits home here:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Notice how God doesn’t just tell us to pray. He tells us to humble ourselves first. Prayer without humility is just noise. It’s like asking God to bless our own agenda without being willing to listen to His.

Quote from Cynthia Garrett; praying for our country and the upcoming election season

We need to lay down our preconceived notions, political preferences, and even our personal desires and humbly ask God, "What do You want for this country? What does Your will look like here?" Because, let’s be real—sometimes, our desires are not aligned with His. And if we’re not willing to admit that we’re not really praying, we’re just talking at God.

Why Is it Important to Pray for Leaders Who Fear God?

When it comes to leadership, we should be praying for men and women who fear God, not those who are driven by power, influence, or fame. The Bible makes it clear that fearing God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), and without that, leaders are bound to lead people into chaos, corruption, and compromise. Proverbs 29:2 says:

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

We see this all the time. When godly leaders rise, people prosper, and justice reigns. When ungodly leaders take control, corruption spreads, and the people suffer. We have a duty to pray for godly leadership, not just in the church but in the government. We need courageous leaders to stand for righteousness, even when it’s unpopular.

This means praying for candidates who have integrity, value truth over lies, and are not afraid to defend the weak and the vulnerable. We should also pray for the ones already in office—whether we voted for them or not. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 commands us to pray for all those in authority:

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

It doesn’t say, “Pray only for the leaders you like.” Nope. Pray for all of them. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment, that He would open their eyes to His truth, and that their hearts would turn toward righteousness.

How Can We Pray for Unity in the Body of Christ?

This one is big. We have to pray for unity in the Body of Christ. Right now, there’s so much division, even among Christians, about how we should vote, what policies are most important, and who should lead. But the thing is, we’re called to be one body—the Body of Christ—and our loyalty to the Kingdom of God should come before our loyalty to any political party. Ephesians 4:3 tells us to:

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

This doesn’t mean we’re going to agree on every single issue. But we can’t let the enemy use politics to divide us. We need to pray for discernment and wisdom so that our hearts and minds are aligned with God’s will, not just our political preferences.

The devil loves to sow seeds of division, and if we’re not careful, we’ll start fighting each other instead of standing together in prayer. Don’t let that happen. Pray for unity and ask God to help you see your brothers and sisters in Christ as part of His family, regardless of how they vote.

What Does the Bible Say about Praying for Courage to Stand for Truth?

Let’s be real—the truth is under attack. My new book is called The Naked Truth because nobody understands how deeply lies have taken ahold of our daily lives. Everywhere you look, there are lies, deception, and manipulation. We live in a culture that’s telling us that truth is relative and that you can define it however you want. But we know better. As Christians, we know that God’s Word is truth and that it stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 says:

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

We need to pray for the courage to stand for that truth, even when it’s unpopular, even when it makes us targets. Pray for leaders who will do the same—leaders who are not swayed by public opinion but who stand firm on the truth of God’s Word.

And while we’re praying for that courage, we need to pray for discernment. In an age of misinformation and constant media noise, it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. But the Holy Spirit gives us discernment when we ask for it (John 16:13). We need to pray that the Spirit of Truth would guide us through the chaos, and that we would not be deceived by the enemy’s lies.

John 16:13

How Can We Pray for Revival?

I don’t know about you, but when I look around at the state of our nation, I see a desperate need for revival, not just in the government but in the hearts of the people. Laws and policies can only go so far. What we need is a spiritual awakening. We need hearts to turn back to God because only He can heal our land. Psalm 85:6 says:

"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?"

Let that be our prayer. Let’s cry out to God for a revival that starts in our own hearts and spreads throughout this nation. I loved the film 'Jesus Revolution.' If you haven’t seen it – you must! It’s a great template for a lost generation looking for love in all the wrong places and searching for truth amidst the lies of culture. They tried, sex, drugs, rock & roll, everything. And all they found was darkness and dead ends. They still felt bound up and chained. This was happening in the 60’s & 70’s and its happening now – today.

Yet, a wave of revival fell on America and these lost children began finding the power of Christ. As truth of Jesus spread, they discovered that He was the only thing that brought them truth, freedom, and happiness. This same Jesus Revolution is needed right now.

I encourage you now to pray for the church to rise up, for Christians to be bold in their faith, and for the Holy Spirit to sweep across this country, bringing repentance, healing, and transformation. At the end of the day, it’s not politicians, policies, or parties that will save this country—it’s Jesus. And our greatest weapon in this battle is prayer.

As we approach the upcoming election, let’s not just watch the news and wring our hands in anxiety. Let’s not be people who become angry, hopeless, and bitter, because of what we fear could happen to America. Let’s be people of prayer.

Let’s pray with humility, seeking God’s will above our own. Let’s pray for godly leadership, for unity in the Body of Christ, for courage to stand for truth, and for revival to sweep across this nation.

We are in a spiritual battle, and it’s time to take our place on the frontlines—in prayer.

God hears us. He sees us. And He is moving, even when we can’t see it yet. So let’s keep praying and trusting that He is faithful to answer. Because, He is!

Prayer for America on Election Day

Prayer for Wisdom and Guidance for Our Country

Heavenly Father, We lift up our country to You and ask for Your wisdom and guidance to lead us through these times of uncertainty. We pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by Your truth, pursue justice, and work with integrity. Lord, raise up godly men and women to lead with humility and courage, and let Your will be done in our nation. Replace our fears with Your peace, and help us to trust in Your plans, knowing that You are always in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer for Unity in the Body of Christ

Lord Jesus, We come to You as the Body of Christ, asking for unity among believers. Help us to see each other as brothers and sisters, united by our faith in You. May our loyalty to Your Kingdom come first, above all other affiliations. Teach us to approach each other with grace and understanding, especially in times of disagreement, and let us work together to bring Your light into this world. Bind us together, Lord, as we seek to honor You in all we do. In Your precious name, Amen.

Prayer for Revival and Spiritual Awakening

Holy Spirit, We cry out for revival in our land. Awaken our hearts to Your presence, renew our spirits, and draw us closer to You. We pray for a spiritual awakening in our nation, that people everywhere would turn to You for hope and salvation. Strengthen us as Your people to live boldly in our faith and shine Your light in the darkness. Let Your truth, love, and peace sweep through this country, transforming lives and hearts. We ask this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Click to read: 6 Prayers for Election Day

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Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, as well as on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, author, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the author of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org