Pray for Our Elected Leaders

It’s been an emotional and divisive season of politics leading to Tuesday’s elections. There has been anger, name calling, smearing, disappointment, fear, and for some joy for those being elected. I know that many of you are ready for the election conversation to be completely over, but on Sunday I pray that we will be able to gather together as a church community to reflect on the election and discern how we move forward through the lens of our faith.

For now, I ask you to join me in prayer for all of our elected leaders, those who currently hold office and those who will assume their office soon. Pray for those who were at the top of the ballot to the bottom. The letter of 1 Timothy reminds us, “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live” (The Message).

As a people of faith we are called to pray for those who guide and govern our nation. Let’s not allow our politics to cloud our prayers for them, instead let us authentically pray that they will do the will of God for our nation and government. Pray for them as the children of God they are regardless of their party affiliation.

On Sunday we will explore the role of mercy in moving forward together after the election. Receive God’s mercy, offer mercy to everyone, and pray continuously for our nation; for healing, reconciliation and for the light of the Gospel of hope, love and grace to shine in this season.

Let us pray:

God of all the nations,

We are thankful for the opportunity to vote and enjoy the freedoms our nation gives. As we have elected new leaders and public servants for our government, we lift them to you and ask for your wisdom, strength, and courage will fill them, so they may follow your will. Heal us from our divisions and unite us in the common good of all people of our nation and around the world. We pray for peace, hope, love, grace, and guidance, as we trust in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.