Post-Election ‘Prayer Power’ to the People

For many Americans, today is either one of rejoicing or one of dismay; because the results of yesterday’s election have been made known.  Regardless of who you voted for, if you are a Christian, the Apostle Paul tells us: “I urge, then, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)  In other words: Pray for all the politicians … even the ones you didn’t vote for … and especially the ones you don’t like!

Gerald Flurry has written: “Prayer is political action.  Prayer is social energy.  Prayer is public good.  Prayer shapes more of our nation’s life than is formed by legislation.  That we have not collapsed into anarchy is due more to prayer than to the police.  Prayer is a sustained and intricate act of patriotism in the largest sense of that word – far more precise, loving, and preserving than any patriotism served up in slogans …. The single most important action contributing to whatever health and strength there is in our land is prayer.”

Proverbs 21:1 says: “The king’s heart (or the Mayor’s heart, or the Governor’s heart, or the President’s heart) is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”  In other words: God has the power to direct the decisions of our leaders … even the bad ones.  And when we pray … that power of God is unleashed.

 

What should we pray for?

I. We should pray for the success of “whoever” is in leadership.  When Israel was held captive in a pagan nation, God told them to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.  Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." (Jeremiah 29:7)

II. We should pray for healing of our land.  2 Chronicles 7:14 reads: “If My [God’s] 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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 

III. Pray that the decisions of these leaders will lead in such a way that we can reach more and more people with the message of Christ’s love.  That was the major thrust of Paul’s comment to Timothy when he wrote: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, [Why?] that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Don’t underestimate your prayers!  Your prayers … coupled with other God-fearing believers … can make the difference … regardless of who was elected.  Do you believe it?

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel