First of all, then, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Thanksgiving for Our Nation
Heavenly Father, from one blood You have made all nations to dwell on the face of the earth, and You have determined the times and boundaries appointed for their habitation.(1) We thank You for our nation and its ordered liberty, for the protections of religious liberty, for our freedom to assemble and confess Your name and truth and receive Your gifts. Bless our nation and people in this election, that Your will be done. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Thanksgiving for the Vote
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the opportunity given to our citizens to elect public servants and officials to cast our votes. We know that You ordain all authorities, and there are no authorities in this world but by Your will.(2) Use our elections and conversations to give us rulers according to Your good and gracious will. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prayer for All Voters, especially Christian Voters
Heavenly Father, we pray for all voters, and especially for our brothers and sisters in Christ, that You would give us the wisdom that comes down from above(3), that we would cast our votes for the protection of our neighbor and the upholding of our land. To that end, we pray that You would use our votes to uphold Your commands and protect Your gifts. Protect life, especially the lives of the children in the womb, the lives of the elderly and vulnerable. Protect marriage and the family, Your gift of husband and wife. Protect our homes and neighborhoods from theft, danger, and violence and our nation from war. Use even our votes toward the punishment of wickedness and reward righteousness, that Your people might live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty(4). Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prayer for States Considering Pro-Abortion Constitutional Amendments
O Lord, grant Your protection to all unborn children, and especially we pray that You would overthrow the plans to add pro-abortion laws to the constitutions of Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota. Grant repentance to all those bent on this evil. Give all mothers with children increasing joy in this Your blessing, and give to all children protection and care. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prayer for an Honest Election
O Lord, give us a fair, honest, and trustworthy election. Stop all attempts to corrupt, undermine, or manipulate this election. Give integrity to all poll workers, diligence to all poll observers, honesty to all election officials, and wisdom to all judges, so that we would not be afflicted with an uncertain election. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prayer for a Peaceful Transition of Authority
O Lord, grant to our nation, our states, and all our communities, a peaceful transition of authority. Grant selflessness to all who lose an election, and humility to all who win. We thank You for the faithful service rendered by those who will leave office, and pray that You would continue to guard and govern us through those who now take office. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prayer for a Right View of Government and Rulers
Lord Jesus Christ, Your kingdom is not of this world(5), and You command us to trust not in princes.(6) Keep us always mindful that our citizenship is in heaven, and we to heaven for You, our Savior.(7) Keep us from being conformed to the ways of this world (8) so that we look to You for all good, and find refuge in Your protection. Strengthen our faith in Your promise of the new heaven and earth, where the righteous dwell (9), so that our hope, being set in You, would set us free to truly love, serve, bless, care for, and have compassion on our neighbors. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Scripture References:
(1) Acts 17:26-27
(2) Romans 13:1-2
(3) James 1:5, 3:17-18
(4) 1 Timothy 2:2
(5) John 18:36
(6) Psalm 146:3
(7) Philippians 3:20
(8) Romans 12:1-2
(9) 2 Peter 3:13