3 Powerful Ways to Pray During Politically Heated Times
Each of us has different thoughts and feelings as we approach an election. At times, it is hard to discern the information we’re being fed, and it’s difficult to sift through facts, opinions, and agendas. But one thing is for certain: our ultimate leader — our almighty God — is still in control, and He will help us navigate these times. Not only does He grant us wisdom through His Spirit, but He also helps us to garnish our words, responses, and actions with grace. Even when we encounter those we differ in opinion from, we can be salt and light during this time of conflict, and draw others to God’s truths, promises, and peace. Here are three powerful ways to pray during politically heated times.
1. Pray to Have the Heart of a Peacemaker
We often think of the term “peacekeeper,” and yet in Matthew 5:9, we are called to be “peacemakers.” While a peacekeeper is more synonymous with a mediator, doing whatever is within one’s means to maintain or restore peace, a peacemaker may take a more direct approach. Before you can keep (or maintain) something, it must first be established. In these times, we may find ourselves involved in fragile conversations with those we care about. Let us pray to have the heart of a peacemaker, one who exemplifies Jesus’ own heart found in John 1:14, being those “full of grace and truth.”
Dear Lord, prepare me for every conversation which lies ahead in the coming months. Keep me from a defensive posture. Fill me with both grace and truth. In grace, help me to have a listening ear, and words fueled by kindness. In truth, help me to recall Scriptures from Your Word, and have a ready answer grounded in biblical insight, and a perspective guided by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Pray for Righteous Anger
Anger is something many of us struggle with during times like these, yet our anger can actually serve to further God’s purposes. In James 1:20 we read, “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” While we are warned against earthly anger, we gain a glimpse into what God truly desires: righteousness. God Himself exhibits much anger throughout Scripture, yet it is a righteous anger — a holy indignation. God designed us with a capacity for emotions, grounded in truth, to compel us toward good works. When feelings around an election or political stance escalate, may we take captive our anger and use it to promote biblical justice, absolute truth, and a heavenly agenda.
Dear Lord, when I feel my emotions rising, help me to step back. Prompt me to take a few minutes to gather my thoughts and inspect where my anger is rooted, and what it is producing. Help me to share Your holy indignation, and use that righteous anger to promote all that honors You and points others to Your good and glorious plan. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. Pray Toward God’s Agenda
In the midst of very strong thoughts, ideas, and feelings regarding political matters, it can be difficult to hand over our concerns to God. However, as we practice daily the habit of trusting Him with the future, He proves Himself capable time and again. In Isaiah 55:8-9 we read, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Instead of praying for our own desired outcomes, may we ask God for a heart attuned to His desires and pray toward His ultimate plan and purposes.
Dear Lord, I admit I am often consumed by what I think is best. When I am attempting to solve all the world’s issues in my mind, help me instead to rest my concerns in Your care and trust Your plan. Offer me gracious glimpses of what You have in store, fill me with hope for the future, and help me to rest secure in Your salvation. I acknowledge Your agenda is best, and I wait in eager anticipation to watch You powerfully making all things new — in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
