How To Pray for the Government and Elected Officials
My first thought in praying for elections and elected officials prompts me to ask the Lord and tell him that I will vote, but the rest is up to him. While this is technically true, I now see that I am missing God’s heart in this area.
Having been elected and retained as a Lancaster County Common Pleas Judge, I disliked the partisan process, and I hoped after my election that people would remember to pray for me to have the wisdom to serve and help people. Having served twenty years and having praying men and women around me, I see the impossibility of having godly wisdom without faith and prayer.
While we often refer to Romans 13:1 regarding being subject to government authorities, I want to challenge us not to pray for specific election outcomes but specifically for each individual who runs for office and for those who do get elected. In Ezekiel 22:30, the writer cries out, saying, “I searched for a man who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before me in the land” (NAS), and Jeremiah 29:7 implores us to seek the peace and prosperity of the city. Proverbs reminds us that in many counselors, there is safety.
As a Judge and public servant, I can confirm that government and judicial officials often have a very difficult and daunting position in dealing with complex and divisive issues. While I acknowledge that many have a specific agenda, the position is often a lonely and stressful path to walk. Most officials desire to serve and help, but all need godly wisdom to “stand in the gap” in seeking peace and making wise laws and decisions. Pray for all seeking public office to have or come to the salvation of knowing Christ and for wisdom to know God’s heart and direction. So, as we pray for our local, state, and federal government and judicial officials, let’s ask God to bring faith, salvation, protection, and wisdom into their lives.
How to pray for our government and elected officials:
Father, we know that all authority comes from you. We pray that your will be done in the upcoming elections. We ask that you place men and women who love you and seek you in a position of authority and that you will give them strength and wisdom to stand in the gap for your people. We ask for those candidates and officials who do not know your saving grace that they would receive your salvation, love, and guidance. We pray this in Christ’s Name, Amen.
This post was written by Worship Center member Senior Judge David Workman.