Prayer for Government Leaders and Elections
Every time elections come around, we can fall into the trap of thinking our salvation or impending doom depends on the outcome of the political leaders in office. That’s not true because we are kingdom people and our salvation and protection come from the Lord; however, we do have a responsibility to pray.
The Bible is very clear that as followers of Christ, we are called to pray for our cities, nations, and political leaders.
With elections coming up, take time to pray for national leaders, local leaders, and the electoral process. Here are five prayer points and scriptures to guide us as we focus our hearts and minds and seek God’s will for our country.
The Power of Intercessory Prayer
The disciples questioned Jesus Christ about His prayer habits and how they should pray. Likewise, we should study the prayer habits of Jesus and be led by the Holy Spirit as we pray. We are called to pray about everything, and not despair when we hear about concerning world events.
Additionally, we pray for salvation—for our national leaders, along with all government officials, and other local leaders.
Here are four specific verses to keep in mind:
2 Chronicles 7:14 - "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Proverbs 11:14 - “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
James 5:16 - “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Prayers for Election Season and Government Leaders
Whether it's election season or any time of the year, these prayer points and scripture references will guide you as you intercede for the will of the Lord to be done in our nations, communities, and lives.
1. Pray for Wisdom and Engagement in Voters
We all have busy schedules and it's easy to find reasons not to vote on election day. We may be swayed by busyness, forgetfulness, or the idea that 'my one vote won't matter anyway'. Yet every vote is vital on multiple levels.
Throughout the Bible, we see the people of God rising up and taking action as they follow the Lord's leading. Nehemiah, Gideon, Esther, and others all called the people to join them to pray, fast, and take action.
In addition to showing up to vote, we also pray that voters would be led by wisdom and the Lord God almighty, not falling prey to the rhetoric of political pundits, ads, and social media. Instead, as we vote, we must rely on biblical principles and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Scriptures:
Nehemiah 2:18 - “And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ So they strengthened their hands for the good work.”
James 1:5 - “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Psalm 32:8 - “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we ask for your wisdom. Help us look beyond surface-level arguments to understand deep and mysterious things. Our hearts seek Your perspective. Give us ability to understand complex issues and the courage to choose leaders who will honor You. Remove any spiritual blindness and help us vote according to kingdom principles. Remove any blocks or hindrances to our schedules that would prevent us from voting, and stir up all citizens to exercise their right to vote.
2. Praying for the Integrity and Salvation of Political Leaders
Above all, we pray that all political leaders will know Jesus and surrender their lives to Him. Our number one prayer for political leaders isn't that they would fulfill our agendas or vote for our favored issues, but for their personal salvation.
Let's remember to consistently see our government leaders as people first, not as heroes or villains. We pray they would keep their motives pure and have integrity in all they do.
The book of Daniel is a remarkable example of a godly leader maintaining integrity in a pagan world. Despite being in Babylonian exile, Daniel consistently showed unwavering faith and refused to compromise his beliefs even when it meant facing a lion’s den. His integrity was so great that even his enemies could find no fault in him except by trapping him for his devotion to God.
In his time in exile, Daniel saw Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar turn from acting like a wild animal to blessing, praising, and honoring the Most High God, proclaiming:
"For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’" (Dan 4:34-35)
Let's be encouraged that God sees the heart and loves the person, and has better plans for their life!
Scriptures:
Proverbs 29:2 - “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Proverbs 21:1 - “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”
Psalm 78:72 - “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
Prayer
Lord, we pray that all would come to know your Son Jesus and give their lives to you. Raise up leaders of character who fear You more than public opinion. Break any cycles of corruption, compromise, and self-serving leadership. Surround potential leaders with godly counsel and support. Give them the courage to stand for truth even when it’s unpopular.
3. Pray for Just and Righteous Government and Electoral Processes
Part of the stability and peace of a society is knowing that fair, just laws, measures, and processes are in place—and that our government and leaders will uphold them.
Praying for the government goes beyond the president and vice president. We must keep in mind leaders from every facet, from Supreme Court justices to city council members. In addition, we pray for government processes, elections, and bureaucracies that are both just and efficient.
In the book of Exodus, Moses went up with God and came back with not only the 10 Commandments, but also direction on living, building the Tabernacle, consecrating the priests, giving offerings, celebrating festivals, and more. God delivered clear, detailed and orderly processes.
Scriptures:
Exodus 18:21 - “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”
Proverbs 16:12 - “Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.”
Psalm 33:5 - “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.”
Prayer
Gracious God we pray for effective governance in our nation. We pray that all things would be done decently and in order. Let our elections and government processes and procedures be just. Let all aspects and organizations of government, from local to national, operate efficiently and fulfill the intended purpose of a government in society, not going beyond the proper scope. We also pray for wisdom in budgets and financial stewardship. Give our leaders on every level of government supernatural wisdom and insight in navigating these complex decisions.
4. Pray for Peace and Civility in Our Nation
Throughout history, we've seen examples where political decisions and leaders have led to a household divided. Although we may not agree on every topic and policy, we must respect the rule of law and promote peace with our fellow citizens.
While respecting our constitutional rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and disagreement, may we never be consumed by hate or resort to violence. In our day, this extends even to our conversations and interactions online. Let us be discerning and led by the Holy Spirit so all our words would be seasoned with grace.
The story of Joseph in Genesis is a great lesson on using power righteously and prioritizing reconciliation. After being betrayed by his brothers and going through great hardship Joseph chose forgiveness. When he finally revealed himself to his brothers instead of seeking revenge he showed mercy and grace.
In a world where media pundits shape public opinion, we seek God’s guidance to put faith and principle above the narrative.
Scriptures:
Matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Romans 12:18 - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Ephesians 4:3 - “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Prayer
Lord, your ways are peace, justice, and righteousness. We pray the Prince of Peace heal the divisions in our nation and unites the hearts of believers. Where there is misunderstanding bring clarity, and where there is anger bring compassion. Help citizens and leaders to listen to each other, to seek to understand before being understood. Remind us of the eternal perspective as we live in the present, working for the good of our community.
5. Praying for God’s Sovereign Will to Prevail
As we read through the Bible, we see stories of both victory and defeat. There are seasons of triumph and disappointment. Times when God's people take ground and expand their territory, and others when they are taken captive.
Every time we have elections for national political leaders, some voters are ecstatic that their candidate wins and on the other side disappointed with a loss. Yet, there's also a tendency to catastrophize the results, believing that disaster and collapse are imminent if the wrong governing authorities are in place.
Let's remember the world stands firm not because of our political leaders, but because God reigns.
Here is the promise: “'For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.’” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Scriptures:
Daniel 2:21 - “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.”
Isaiah 46:10 - “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
Psalm 33:10-11 - “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
Prayer
Father God we surrender the outcome of this election to You. Your plans are higher than our plans, Your wisdom deeper than our understanding. Whether our preferred candidates win or lose we trust You are working out Your perfect plan. Give us faith to rest in Your sovereignty, hope in Your goodness and peace that is beyond political outcomes.
Peaceful and Quiet Lives
One translation of 1 Timothy 2:2 says we are to pray "for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." (NASB)
God is sovereign, but scripture also clearly tells us that our daily welfare is linked to our prayers for our cities, nations, and governing officials.
As we lift up our personal needs to God, let us remember to pray for our leaders, government, and that God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Closing Prayer
Mighty God, we lift up our government leaders to You. Give them wisdom, integrity, and a heart for justice. Help them to lead with compassion and humility always seeking the common good. Protect them from the temptations of power, selfish ambitions, and corruption, and guide them in making decisions that honor You. Refresh them as they lead and serve, and we pray they would be guided by the Holy Spirit. May our prayers support them in their roles and bring unity and cooperation for the betterment of our country. Amen.
May our prayers be persistent, our faith unwavering, and our love for this nation and its people profound.