As Christians, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you take a look at the state of our country today. The politics, the division, and the uncertainty in regards to the future can feel like an excessive amount of. But for those who’re anything like me, you already know that prayer is where the battle begins. It’s not only a pleasant sentiment or something we toss around because we don’t know what else to say. Prayer is our weapon. It’s the thing that moves mountains, breaks strongholds, and invites God into situations that appear unattainable.
Let’s speak about how we must always be praying for our country, the upcoming election, and for godly leadership.
Why Is Humility Important in Praying for Our Country?
First and foremost, we’d like to begin with humility. We should acknowledge that, as much as we expect we all know, God knows higher. We must get on our knees and ask God for wisdom and guidance—not only for our leaders but for ourselves.2 Chronicles 7:14 hits home here:
“If my people, who’re called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and switch from their wicked ways, then I’ll hear from heaven, and I’ll forgive their sin and can heal their land.”
Notice how God doesn’t just tell us to hope. He tells us to humble ourselves first. Prayer without humility is just noise. It’s like asking God to bless our own agenda without being willing to hearken to His.
We must lay down our preconceived notions, political preferences, and even our personal desires and humbly ask God, “What do You want for this country? What does Your will appear like here?” Because, let’s be real—sometimes, our desires are usually not aligned with His. And if we’re not willing to confess that we’re not likely praying, we’re just talking at God.
Why Is it Important to Pray for Leaders Who Fear God?
When it involves leadership, we must always be praying for men and girls who fear God, not those that are driven by power, influence, or fame. The Bible makes it clear that fearing God is the start of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), and without that, leaders are certain to guide people into chaos, corruption, and compromise. Proverbs 29:2 says:
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
We see this on a regular basis. When godly leaders rise, people prosper, and justice reigns. When ungodly leaders take control, corruption spreads, and the people suffer. We have an obligation to hope for godly leadership, not only within the church but in the federal government. We need courageous leaders to face for righteousness, even when it’s unpopular.
This means praying for candidates who’ve integrity, value truth over lies, and are usually not afraid to defend the weak and the vulnerable. We also needs to pray for those already in office—whether we voted for them or not. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 commands us to hope for all those in authority:
“I urge, then, initially, 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.”
It doesn’t say, “Pray just for the leaders you want.” Nope. Pray for all of them. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment, that He would open their eyes to His truth, and that their hearts would turn toward righteousness.
How Can We Pray for Unity within the Body of Christ?
This one is big. We should pray for unity within the Body of Christ. Right now, there’s a lot division, even amongst Christians, about how we must always vote, what policies are most significant, and who should lead. But the thing is, we’re called to be one body—the Body of Christ—and our loyalty to the Kingdom of God should come before our loyalty to any political party. Ephesians 4:3 tells us to:
“Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This doesn’t mean we’re going to agree on each issue. But we will’t let the enemy use politics to divide us. We need to hope for discernment and wisdom in order that our hearts and minds are aligned with God’s will, not only our political preferences.
The devil likes to sow seeds of division, and if we’re not careful, we’ll start fighting one another as an alternative of standing together in prayer. Don’t let that occur. Pray for unity and ask God to assist you see your brothers and sisters in Christ as a part of His family, no matter how they vote.
What Does the Bible Say about Praying for Courage to Stand for Truth?
Let’s be real—the reality is under attack. My recent book is named The Naked Truth because no one understands how deeply lies have taken ahold of our each day lives. Everywhere you look, there are lies, deception, and manipulation. We live in a culture that’s telling us that truth is relative and which you could define it nevertheless you would like. But we all know higher. As Christians, we all know that God’s Word is truth and that it stands without end. Isaiah 40:8 says:
“The grass withers, the flower fades, however the word of our God will stand without end.”
We need to hope for the courage to face for that truth, even when it’s unpopular, even when it makes us targets. Pray for leaders who will do the identical—leaders who are usually not swayed by public opinion but who stand firm on the reality of God’s Word.
And while we’re praying for that courage, we’d like to hope for discernment. In an age of misinformation and constant media noise, it may possibly be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. But the Holy Spirit gives us discernment after we ask for it (John 16:13). We need to hope that the Spirit of Truth would guide us through the chaos, and that we might not be deceived by the enemy’s lies.
How Can We Pray for Revival?
I don’t learn about you, but once I go searching on the state of our nation, I see a desperate need for revival, not only in the federal government but within the hearts of the people. Laws and policies can only go to this point. What we’d like is a spiritual awakening. We need hearts to show back to God because only He can heal our land. Psalm 85:6 says:
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
Let that be our prayer. Let’s cry out to God for a revival that starts in our own hearts and spreads throughout this nation. I loved the film ‘Jesus Revolution.’ If you haven’t seen it – you have to! It’s an ideal template for a lost generation on the lookout for love in all of the incorrect places and looking for truth amidst the lies of culture. They tried, sex, drugs, rock & roll, all the pieces. And all they found was darkness and dead ends. They still felt certain up and chained. This was happening within the 60’s & 70’s and its happening now – today.
Yet, a wave of revival fell on America and these lost children began finding the ability of Christ. As truth of Jesus spread, they found that He was the one thing that brought them truth, freedom, and happiness. This same Jesus Revolution is required at once.
I encourage you now to hope for the church to stand up, for Christians to be daring of their faith, and for the Holy Spirit to brush across this country, bringing repentance, healing, and transformation. At the tip of the day, it’s not politicians, policies, or parties that can save this country—it’s Jesus. And our best weapon on this battle is prayer.
As we approach the upcoming election, let’s not only watch the news and wring our hands in anxiety. Let’s not be individuals who develop into indignant, hopeless, and bitter, due to what we fear could occur to America. Let’s be people of prayer.
Let’s pray with humility, searching for God’s will above our own. Let’s pray for godly leadership, for unity within the Body of Christ, for courage to face for truth, and for revival to brush across this nation.
We are in a spiritual battle, and it’s time to take our place on the frontlines—in prayer.
God hears us. He sees us. And He is moving, even when we will’t see it yet. So let’s keep praying and trusting that He is faithful to reply. Because, He is!
Click to read: 6 Prayers for the Upcoming Election
Click here for Cynthia Garrett’s recent book, ‘The Naked Truth.’ Available now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1684513715
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/LeoPatrizi
A highly sought-after speaker, creator, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the creator of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org
