Pray Then Vote

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 goodness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4.

We’ve all heard is said, “Never mix politics with religion.” Oh how far we have come over the years. What we have witnessed in the media, television, magazines and Internet has been unprecedented as we shake our heads in disbelief and frustration. It seem with the onset of social media, everyone has a voice yet no one is responsible for that voice. The degree of offense, opinion and personal expression has escalated to an all-time high. Bickering, debates and hateful comments have now become the norm. Given this hostile climate we find ourselves in, what is it the Jesus calls us to do? Pray; and then pray some more. In 1 Timothy 2:1 we are told first and foremost to pray for all people. Not just those we like, agree with or who make us feel good. We are to pray for those in authority whether we agree with their politics or not. God will sort all that out in the end. For us, here and now, we are to pray for all people that the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ might be seen. 1 Timothy goes on to tell us that in so doing, praying for others is a good thing that pleases God, whose primary desire is that all people come to the knowledge and saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:9). 1 Timothy 2:8 goes on to say, “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” No matter how frustrating the debacle of corruption in politics may become, as God’s chosen representatives our call is to pray, and when we have prayed, pray some more. Our love, or lack of, has eternal consequences and is something to never be taken lightly. In John 13:35 the identifying mark of a true Christian is love, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” As we progress in this election year let’s fight the urge to engage in debates, negative banter, strong opinions and a war of words. When tempted to go there, read and reread Psalm 2. As nations conspire and people devise plans, Psalm 2:4 reminds us, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” Many men and woman have given sacrificially in order that we might have the privilege of voting and we have a fiduciary responsibility to do so. So what is the best way to vote? With prayer.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, the rise and fall of all nations is in Your hand. You are the Ruler overall and it is in You that we place our hope and trust. We are not shaken by this world because this is not our home. Help us to remain in an attitude of prayer, clothed in Your righteousness, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.