In the book of Philippians, Paul said it best, “Be anxious about nothing, instead pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6). Let's each commit to spending time in prayer together as a church during the week leading up to the presidential election.
Use this guide to pray for God to show up and work in specific ways over the next 7 days. Read through the selected passages, then pray through each of the prayer prompts, spending 3-4 minutes praying for each one.
Day 1 | God’s Power
The Bible tells us not to worry about anything and to pray about everything. In the uncertainty of election season, it can be hard not to worry, not to fear, or not to give too much power to the outcomes. So today, let’s fix our focus on who God is and pray to trust his power and plan.
In Isaiah 46:9-10 God says, “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.”
2 Chronicles 20:6 reminds us, “O Lord, God...You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you.”
Prayer Prompts:
- For all who are afraid or anxious: Father, you say you’re always with us, faithfully helping us. I choose to take you at your word. I choose to trust you with all the things I can’t control. When I feel overwhelmed and under threat, remind me to give my worries to you and trust in your plan.
- For whoever is far from God: Lord there are so many who don’t know you. I pray you move them to seek you during this time of uncertainty. You tell us you are close to all who call on you in truth. In the days ahead, help me to see anyone you put in my path and walk alongside them toward you.
- For followers of Christ in our community: God, we know no one is greater than you. Let that truth settle deep in our hearts and overshadow all fears for our country, ourselves, our families, and the future. Let us lead the way with confidence, knowing you are faithful. Guide us to live with love so that others know we are your followers.
Day 2 | Unity
Today, we pray for unity – that we will draw together, help each other, and strive to live as one within our communities, neighborhoods, and homes.
1 Peter 3:8 tells us, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
In Philippians 2:2, Paul writes, “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”
Prayer Prompts:
- For my part in unity: Jesus, thank you for praying for me while you were here. It humbles me to know that on your last day, I mattered enough for you to think of me. I know you want unity and peace for me. Soften my heart when I’m struggling to accept someone. Guide me to persevere daily and respond with grace wherever I am.
- For nation and community: God, I come to you boldly, asking for a unity that seems impossible to me, but not for you. Please heal the anger and discord which have erupted in our nation and divided our communities. Show me how to connect with someone who has hurt or offended me. Teach me to share your love with those who don’t know you. Lord, I pray that you would give each of us the courage to do our part to unify our families, neighborhoods, and nation.
- For the church: Jesus, you said our unity would be how people would believe in you. Let us keep our focus on you and our eyes on eternity. I pray you would help me do all I can to show the world your love. Work in all our hearts to embrace your unity and live in harmony here on earth. May we as your church show acceptance to those with differing views and be a clear message of your love.
Day 3 | Hope
God is the source of hope. Today we pray to the one who provides hope always, for us and for the world.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”
Romans 15:13 says, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Prayer Prompts:
- For renewed hope: Lord, let me never forget that my hope doesn’t lie in a particular candidate being elected or in whichever party controls Congress. My hope comes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When I feel overwhelmed by the suffering from disasters and war, chaos, and loss, remind me that you have overcome the world. God, be my living hope and set me free.
- For God to be the hope of every heart and every nation: Father, our hope is in you as we cling to the assurance that you hold all things in your hands. At a time that can seem hopeless, lift up all who suffer with anxiety, depression, and despair. And God, shine your light on the people in all nations so their hope is in you, too.
- For those who don’t know Christ: God, I wait in expectation that you will open the hearts of my neighbors, friends, and family who don’t know you. Open their eyes to see you as their Rock, their salvation, and their hope. My fervent prayer is that each of us, your followers and those who don’t know you, can see beyond our own opinions and see you, only you.
Day 4 | Gentleness
Jesus described himself as gentle and humble at heart, yet too often we can be unkind and proud. Today, pray to follow Jesus’ example, showing respect and care in the way you act and speak.
Philippians 4:5 says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Prayer Prompts:
- For those in authority: Lord, you show us that gentleness is strength, that we can help someone become who you made them to be by reaching out in kindness. Please grow our capacity for compassion and turn our anger to self-control. Help us to create a legacy of gentleness and treat everyone with respect.
- For parents, teachers and caregivers: God, I pray you give deep reserves of patience and gentleness to parents, teachers, and caregivers as they work with those who are young, weak or vulnerable. Lend them your gentle spirit when they run low and strengthen their ability to look past poor behavior, especially in challenging times.
- For each of us: Show each of us how to respond in love and be gentle, especially now when we can so easily fall into blaming others for today’s problems. Keep me from wanting my own way or insisting I’m right. Instead, help me let go of these things and learn to yield for the sake of your kingdom. Use me to show others what gentleness and humility look like.
Day 5 | Reconciliation
Today we pray for reconciliation – to find common ground with others, heal relationships, and to follow Christ’s instruction to love our enemies.
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Colossians 3:13 teaches us, “Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Prayer Prompts:
- For those who are unlike me: God, you tell us that we are created in your image, and yet too often my vision can be clouded by fear, self-righteousness, or even anger. Help me to see you in every person, and to look for our similarities rather than differences.
- For family and friends who are estranged: Lord, I want to reconnect and heal my relationship with [name of person or people]. Give me courage to make the first move. Open my heart to rebuild our connection and love them as you love me.
- For all candidates seeking office: God, I ask you to keep safe everyone who is willing to serve in this way, whether in my community or around the nation. Keep them healthy, strong, and safe from harm. Search my heart and keep any views from clouding my vision so that my eyes can see their humanity and inherent worth as your creation.
Day 6 | Wisdom
Today we pray for wisdom – to look beyond the season to the bigger picture of what is everlasting and good, to restore rather divide.
James 1:5 tells us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
Prayer Prompts:
- For all leaders: I pray that those who lead in our nation and our communities choose to embrace your wisdom. Guide them to see the wise choice and give them the courage to choose it. Help those who lead to bring people together and have the wisdom to choose your path.
- For any circumstance: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Let me seek your wisdom through prayer and the Bible. Please place wise Christians in my life so that I can lean on their guidance. Remind me that I can’t change the outcome of events I don’t control, but I can choose how to respond.
- For our family and ourselves: Lord, in seasons that are tense, it’s easy to be drawn into a conversation of “who are you for” and respond in a way that is demeaning and divisive. Please give us the wisdom to pause and form a better response. Let me guard my tongue and approach conversations gently, to look beyond the season to the bigger picture of what is everlasting and good.
Day 7 | Peace
The Bible tells us to live in peace with each other. Today, pray for peace among nations, world leaders, and for all people – the peace that Jesus gives.
In John 14:27, Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Matthew 5:9 says, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
Prayer Prompts:
- For all who live in fear: Lord Jesus, for everyone who is overwhelmed by the world, caught up in conflicts they didn’t start, or living in the presence of evil, I ask you to give peace. Only you can provide lasting comfort. I pray that your followers will feel your presence, and that those who don’t know you can experience your peace and come to put their trust in you.
- For our church: Father, we need your guidance in this time of conflict. Move in our hearts to reflect your love and grace to others. Give us wisdom to be peacemakers and the strength to forgive. And by doing this, let us find your peace, too.
- For all people: As your child, God, I ask you to fill all our hearts with peace. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for how you created us. Please rescue all who can be saved, whether from their own poor choices, a lack of belief, or circumstances beyond their control. Open their eyes to see the gift of eternal life. I ask this in your Son’s holy name.
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