A Prayer for Peace This Election Season
By Alicia Searl
Bible Reading
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” - Colossians 1:16-17
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Well, my fellow Americans, we have reached yet another pivotal place for our beloved country. A nation that was once founded under God, promoting peace, justice, and liberty for all, and solemnly known as the land of the free because of the brave is now at a crucial tipping point. It’s election season! While “we the people” have seen our fair share of tense elections, rivalries, and division over the course of nearly 250 years, I still can’t help being glued to the TV or aimlessly scrolling social media, searching for any glimmer of hope. The truth of the matter is that after a global pandemic, mass pandemonium, and tensions that continue to rise both nationwide and abroad, my heart aches, as I am sure yours does.
Sadly, both political parties seem to be at odds, groveling for your vote, and the truth has somehow gotten replaced with disingenuous and ruthless jabs or nonchalant talk of policies. Honestly, it’s easy to get sucked into a place of worry, anxiety, and maybe even fear. After all, we all just want to be able to raise our families in a safe environment and allow them to pursue the blessings of liberty rather than watch it crumble under the weight of ferocious politics. Yet, as believers, as much as the world wants to frazzle our nerves, we must hold on tightly to a vastly different perspective.
Friend, in these wildly crazy times, we must cling to the truth that our God is still in control (Proverbs 19:21), and His plan holds a much greater purpose. As we head into another truly tense election that will determine our commander-in-chief, will you join me in lifting your heart to our first Commander and ask for His wisdom, comfort, and healing upon our land?
Remain Faithful
The Bible commands us to pray for those who are in leadership and, furthermore, that we must submit to their authority. This includes our local, state, and national officials, along with those who are contending to become leaders (Romans 13:1-2). While this may prove difficult, we must remain faithful and invite God into the concerns, frustrations, and fears we hold in our hearts, allowing Him to grant us peace that surpasses all understanding.
Seek Discernment
As followers of Christ, it is crucial that we allow our faith to lead and direct us when it comes to choosing a candidate. We must seek to understand each party’s values pertaining to the sanctity of life, beliefs on the principles of marriage, and that the First Amendment protecting our religious freedoms will be upheld. In other words, as we head to the ballot box, we must seek discernment and ask for God to guide us as we decide which candidate will best serve our families, communities, churches, states, and nation (James 1:5).
Promote Peace
In John 14:27, Jesus reminds us that He offers a kind of peace that is not of this world. As we head into this election and the state of “not knowing” may stroke a little fear, maybe even causing some to react in immoral or unjust ways, we have the choice to promote peace. When heated conversations or actions unfold, we have the chance to defuse them with compassion and grace. Let’s show a hurting nation what it means to come together in unity under God and get back to our faithful roots!
Let’s Pray:
Almighty Father, we are so thankful that we live in a country that allows us the ability to choose our political leaders. As we head into another presidential election, and we sense the tension, we ask that You put a hedge of protection around each candidate, as well as their families. Please guard their hearts and grant them wisdom as they develop plans and policies for our beloved nation. O God, we also recognize that we need Your mercy and grace. We come before You heartbroken and concerned for the fate of our nation. We desperately need You.
Please forgive us where we have failed and help us turn from our selfish ways. Give us a bold faith to live in a way that honors and glorifies You. We trust in Your plan, Lord, and know that it holds a greater purpose. So, with that, we find comfort in You alone, no matter the outcome of this election. We will continue to walk in humility and grace as we remain faithful, seek Your wisdom, and promote peace. We love our nation and trust that You will offer a pathway forward that embraces hope and peace. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Hermosa Wave
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
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Originally published Monday, 21 October 2024.
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