Question: The mid-term election is imminent. Everyone around me, no matter what “side of the aisle” they are on, seems to be concerned and feels our country/state needs a turnaround. I don’t want to get into debates or arguments that only seek to polarize people. I am a committed, God fearing voter.  

How do I be open, yet keep my perspective being true to my values and beliefs? – Concerned Voter

Answer: Dear Concerned Voter,

Your concerns are well-founded. The best thing we can do, as people of committed  faith, no matter our political persuasion, is to pray for our country and the upcoming election.  

God’s Word says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “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.”

  Here is a suggested outline to help you pray in these next days:

1. God’s purposes will be fulfilled in our state/nation election’s process:

• That the process will be honest, free from fraud or manipulation
• The ballot counting will be accurate and not delayed
• God’s choices will be fulfilled about those to put in authority and laws to pass

2.  The candidates and leaders:

• Their lives will be protected from harm or danger
• Will be God-fearing, not afraid to speak up and stand for what they believe in
• Will be committed to govern with wisdom and courage 
• Will prioritize serving the people rather than gaining personal power

3. The voters:

• Will be able to discern truth from misinformation and manipulation
• Conversations with others will be respectful and civil even though they may disagree
• Will weigh their vote based on the Word of God and biblical principles rather than attitudes of others, fear, media pressure or historical political loyalty

4. Spiritual Renewal in Our Nation:

• This election will be more than a political turning point. It will be a turning back to God
• Our constitutional form of government, that we were founded upon, will be protected
• The people will be committed to respecting and submitting to governmental authority 
• People will cultivate a spirit of brotherly love and care for their fellow citizens
• Families will be unified and strengthened

Our first President, George Washington, following his inauguration prayed and dedicated our country to God. Here is his prayer that should be given a hearty amen by all of us: “Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, without a humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee.”

Committed to praying for our nation and citizens,

Pastor Dabney Beck