I’m pretty sure most people living in the United States right now would admit that tension is extremely high in anticipation of the November presidential election.  It seems that much is at stake, no matter what your political views are—which is why so much emotion, tempered by angst, is propelling angry, vindictive words, actions, and strategies during this political season.  And it is true, the decisions we make now could affect the character of our country for years to come.

As a Christian, I am adamantly pro-life.  I read one pro-life blogger, though, post that she wouldn’t vote pro-life because there are other considerations to take into account—yet I have to vote to protect the least protected in our society.  I couldn’t help but remember the title of a book, “Small Sacrifices”, written by Ann Rule about a woman from the area where I lived at the time, who shot her three children—one died, one was paralyzed, and though the other also survived, she suffered a stroke as a result of being shot.  I personally cannot let there be any “small sacrifices” for what some may think are bigger, more important issues.

How is a Christian to approach the hostile climate in which we are living right now?

My daughter and I were talking this morning about how, sometimes circumstances we encounter seem to smack us in the face, forcing us to decide whether to believe what the situations are telling us or trust what God’s Word says is true.  When we see dishonesty or corruption in government, while “legally” supporting the murder of innocents, and immorality and perversion as identified by scripture, it may be difficult to accept that God’s Word also declares, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.  Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (Romans 13:1-2).

Which is why it is important to vote, as long as we have to opportunity to do so.  Even if it is only for one issue, to save the lives of many innocent babies. 

And still consider the Children of Israel, foreigners, and slaves in a hostile land.  God worked through Pharaoh’s pride and hostility to accomplish an astonishing delivery for His people.  Also, God used pagan kings to bring about the rebuilding of the temple, the return of His people to Jerusalem, and the reconstruction of the city walls after the Babylonian captivity.

Remember the caution given God’s people through the prophet Isaiah, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.  ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).  We have, over the millennia, not managed to get smarter than God!

I know there are a number of social issues that concern many people, such as poverty, addictions, homelessness, brokenness, immigration, and racial tensions, just to name a few.  As easy as it is to pass the responsibility off, the answer is not in a more socialistic government that continues to dive deeper into debt; as Christians, we must respond to the needs we see around us—not compromising truth, yet serving others with compassion.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.  Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:  to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:26-27).

“Is not this the fast that I choose:  to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him…” (Isaiah 58:6-7).

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 5:2).

The church must step up and be the people of God.  And we must pray!

The apostle Paul instructed Timothy, his son in the faith, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.  Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT).

Sometimes it is difficult to know how to pray effectively (praying, “Lord, strike them with lightning” isn’t actually a legitimate prayer), because it is easy to forget in the midst of animosity and conflict, that the Holy Spirit goes on to say to Timothy through the apostle Paul, “…This is good [praying for all people and interceding for those in authority] and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (vs. 3-4)

Praying for the salvation of those in government, both elected and appointed officials (supreme court), and those running for office is a good first step.

Approaching God in faith as we pray is essential, knowing that “it is impossible to please God without faith [and] anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6); therefore, we acknowledge, in faith, that Jesus is “mighty to save!” (Isaiah 63:1).

Here are some prayers for our nation based on passages from the book of Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 18: “You are sovereign, O God; you establish nations and tear them down.  I live in a nation that once honored you, but many of our leaders and citizens no longer have any regard for you.  Selfishness, greed, stubbornness, human understanding instead of godly wisdom, calling good evil and evil good, idolatry—these are just a few of the characteristics of many countries who have rebelled against you.  Forgive your people who have been seduced by the lies of the enemy.  Give us humble hearts to turn back to you in repentance.  Grant us courage and perseverance to intercede for our families, for your people, your churches, and for our nation.”

 “Raise up Godly leaders in this nation who will listen to you and lead with integrity.  Protect your people from the injustice and hatred that the enemy stirs up against us; give us courage to defend truth with love when spiritual opposition undermines and assaults righteousness.  Grant your people discernment to walk with integrity, avoiding compromise with the cultures of this world.  Draw the hearts of the leaders and people of this nation back to you, I pray…In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Jeremiah 19: “I lift up both civic leaders in this nation and spiritual leaders within your church; I pray that the Holy Spirit would bring them to account for their words and actions.  Forgive your people, forgive this nation for their rebellion against you—humble our leaders and guide us to repentance for idolatry and sacrifice of young lives on altars of selfishness, pride, and rebellion.  Encourage your people to stand strong against the lies and intimidations of the enemy, O God!”

“I pray for families—parents, children, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—all who have opportunities to influence young lives—and ask for your wisdom in raising our little ones to know you and grow up to serve you.  Touch our hearts with conviction when we are inclined to selfishly sacrifice the needs of children for our own interests and diversions.  Forgive us for our misguided priorities, Father, for spending more time on our computer, our phones, in front of the television, or whatever else keeps us away from the people you put in our lives.  Teach us to love you most, and our families more than anything else in this world.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”

Jeremiah 22: “O God, I lift up the leaders of this nation—only you know the intentions of their hearts.  Yet it seems injustice and unrighteousness abound!  Do not let oppression succeed; expose every lie and deception of the enemy that are cloaked in what appears to be good.  Give your people discernment to recognize evil at work and grant us courage to stand strong for truth and righteousness.”

“Raise up leaders in this nation, and in your church, who will oppose oppression, who will do justice, uphold righteousness, will do no wrong to the resident alien, the fatherless and the widow, and will not shed innocent blood.”

“Encourage your people to listen to you and obey your voice.  Expose every attitude of rebellion in our hearts and lead us to repentance.  Raise up shepherds for your church who will seek you and speak truth.  Expose false shepherds whose hearts are swayed by the direction of the wind—I ask that they would humble themselves, repent, and turn back to you.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”

Jeremiah 23: “Father, I lift up the leaders of this nation and ask that you expose the deeds done in darkness, every evil intention motivated by greed or lust for power, and the enemy’s attempts to discredit you or your people.  Release your Spirit of righteousness and justice, I pray.  Give your people singleness of purpose to honor you with their words and their lives.”

“Your presence fills the earth and skies, O God; you are near at hand and far away.  You observe the secret places and see the intentions of all hearts.  You alone are faithful and true—I worship you!  Expose everyone who speaks falsehood in your name and raise up leaders who speak truth—may your name be exalted throughout the earth, Father!”

“Grant me wisdom and understanding—keep my words from perverting truth.  I pray these things in Jesus’ name, amen.”

I cannot pray for this nation without remembering to pray for Israel because God made a covenant with Abraham, saying, “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3); God also told him, “I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.  And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God” (Genesis 17:7-8).  King David proclaimed, “Pray for peace in Jerusalem.  May all who love this city prosper.  O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.  For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘May you have peace.’  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6-9 NLT).

And:

Jeremiah 3, 16, 30: “Father, I pray for peace in Jerusalem and ask that you would restore the fortunes and heritage of Jacob; fulfill your promises to Abraham, O God!  Remove every veil from the eyes of the Jewish people and help them to recognize Jesus, the Messiah.  Draw the hearts of faithless Israel into your covenant of grace.  Cleanse their land from all that is abominable and restore their inheritance, I pray.  Establish your kingdom and throne in the hearts of your children, Lord, and draw all peoples and all nations unto you.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”