Written by David E. Smith
As candidates sprint toward the General Election finish line, we encourage readers to double down on their prayers for our state and nation.
As the date approaches, it would be wise for followers of Jesus Christ to prioritize prayer, civic engagement, and then even more prayer, acknowledging the sovereignty of Almighty God, recognizing that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood.” (Ephesians 6:12)
A few months ago, we promoted a 40-day prayer and fasting period that we called “Humility and Prayer,” inviting Christians in Illinois (and beyond) to focus their corporate and private prayers on asking God to forgive our national sins and to heal our land. We suggested that the model we find in 2 Chronicles 7:14 should be our guide. The four requirements God gave to Israel were as follows:
HUMILITY (humble ourselves)
PRAYER
SEEK GOD
TURN (repent)
To be sure, even if the best pro-family candidates win up and down the ballot, our ultimate hope is not in man, not in politics, and certainly not in government. Our hope is in the finished work of Jesus Christ and in doing His perfect will on earth as it is in heaven.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. ~Ephesians 2:8-10
If more of us understood this and/or intentionally strove to fulfill the will of God, our culture would look much different.
A biblical worldview should be the greatest influence on how we view politics and cultural engagement. Our love for God and neighbor will drive some of us toward evangelism and/or discipleship; some will be driven to cultural engagement (i.e. crisis pregnancy centers, sidewalk counseling, etc.), and others will be drawn toward political involvement.
We should not be deceived into thinking that politics is the answer to what ails our state and our nation. Christians are the salt and light of the world, and we would do well to continually point toward Jesus, “the way, the truth and the light.” It is Truth that sets us free (John 14:6, John 8:31-32).
Getting back to prayer, let us also remember that Proverbs 29:2 teaches us that:
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”
It is incumbent on us to pray for “righteous” people to be elected, so that our country will be marked by godly people in authority. We are obligated to engage the culture in some way, to vote in every election, and then to pray some more. This is not simply a recommendation; the Apostle Paul instructs us to pray without ceasing:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~1 Thessalonians 5:17
As you know, this is a critical election, which will determine the course of our country for the next four years and beyond. We therefore urge you to vote your values and pray that God’s will is done. We may not feel like we can effect change, but, James 5:16 teaches us:
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
God’s Word tells us that fervent prayer avails much! Add to that John 5:14, which reminds us:
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Please pray for a move of God in our land in this election and in the months and years ahead!
Let us cry out to God often (“day and night”) for His mercy and healing hand. Let us persistently ask Him to raise up good, godly rulers. And while we are at it, let us ask Him to raise up strong Christian leaders in our families and in our churches.
We have good reasons to believe that He wants to answer these kind of prayers. But it starts with our humble, prayerful approach to seek God as we turn away from selfish, worldly sin.
