How should a Christian pray about an election?
A non-partisan pastoral answer for praying about an election with scripture, humility, discernment, and care for neighbours.
A direct answer
Pray first for wisdom, truth, peace, and the well-being of every neighbour, rather than asking God merely to secure your preferred result. Bring your convictions to God with humility and seek a conscience shaped by love.
An election involves real choices, but prayer is larger than a campaign. It can include candidates and their families, election workers, public servants, truthful communication, peaceful participation, and grace among people who reach different conclusions.
Scripture to pray with
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him, and said to him, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" He said, "No; but I have come now as commander of Yahweh's army."
Joshua 5:13-14 World English Bible
This passage challenges the instinct to place God inside our preferred side.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:17-18 World English Bible
This passage describes the wisdom and posture worth seeking throughout an election.
Put the answer into prayer
Ways to pray
- 01
Pray for wisdom and humility as voters weigh people, proposals, and consequences.
- 02
Pray for truthful communication and peaceful participation throughout the campaign.
- 03
Pray for candidates, families, volunteers, election workers, and public servants.
- 04
Pray for patience and neighbourly love among people who reach different conclusions.
A short prayer
God of wisdom, guide every conscience, protect truthful and peaceful participation, and teach us to love our neighbours before, during, and after the election. Amen.