Americans have been going to the polls for the past two weeks, and they have until next Tuesday to cast their votes. I hope you have voted. I also hope you have prayed for the United States during this crucial election season—because the ultimate solution to our crisis is not political. Isaiah 43:11 (NASB 1995) says: “I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no savior besides Me.” God wants us to look to Him as we go to the polls.
Here’s how I’m praying. I hope you will agree with me.
Heavenly Father,
— We pray for righteous leaders. As we go to the polls this week, we pray that You will give us leaders who honor You and respect Your laws. Don’t give us the leaders we deserve, but have mercy. Give us a president, governors, congressmen and mayors who have integrity, humility, compassion and courage. And don’t allow corrupt politicians with selfish motives to occupy seats of power.
— We pray for safety for all Americans. Criminals, gang members and even terrorists have been walking across our open borders, and innocent lives have been lost as a result. Lord, give us leaders who care enough to protect people from harm. Give us leaders who are willing to monitor the border carefully. Let innocent immigrants come to our national legally to find a better life, but don’t let dangerous people sneak into our nation to spread violence.
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— We pray for peace in our streets. Lord, evil forces in our culture have tried to stop the rule of law, defund police and reward criminals. We pray for an end to this insanity. Give us leaders who are willing to be tough on crime. We pray especially that You would bring an end to the epidemic of drive-by shootings, gang activity, rape and human trafficking occurring in our major cities.
— We pray for godly judges and the rule of law. Isaiah 5:20a says: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Today, justice has been turned upside down. Many of our judges and district attorneys have created their own laws that reward criminals, promote corruption, punish law-abiding citizens and destroy unborn life. Give us judges who fear You.
— We pray for an end to government oppression. We are dangerously close to tyranny. Many of our leaders today have no respect for freedom of speech or freedom of religion. Many of our government agencies have become intrusive and overbearing. Lord, give us leaders who understand the proper role of government.
— We pray for protection for our children. We have failed our children, Lord. The disintegration of the family has caused trauma and emotional pain in America’s kids. The lack of a moral compass has bred confusion and opened the door to school violence. The lack of respect for unborn life has resulted in millions of abortions. And today, some school teachers are spreading deception about gender—leading some children to go through harmful surgeries. Give us leaders who will protect the younger generation.
— We pray for economic prosperity and opportunity for all. Your Word promises blessing to those who trust You. Psalm 144:15b says, “How blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!” It also says that blessing includes financial abundance, healthy families and good crops. Lord, forgive us for looking to other gods. As we turn to You, send both spiritual and material blessings. And let those blessings come to all people fairly, regardless of race or ethnicity.
— We pray that You will deliver us from evil. A dark antichrist spirit has been working in many areas of our society, including the media, Hollywood, the corporate and financial sector, our colleges and universities, and in politics. But You told us we could pray: “Deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13a). Uproot the demonic darkness from these institutions, expose the plots and schemes of wicked people, and bring evil conspirators to justice.
— We pray for a spirit of unity and cooperation. Lord, we are hopelessly divided today. The love of many has grown cold. Our words are toxic. Media commentators scream at each other. Hatred has become so intense that some have tried to assassinate politicians. Even families are separated by political differences. Help us to disagree with each other without murdering each other with our words. Take the poison out of our tongues. Give us the grace to love each other again.
— We pray for a sweeping spiritual revival across our land. Lord, we know that America’s only hope is a return to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There can be no peace without the Prince of Peace. In days past You sent great spiritual awakenings to turn people back to righteousness. We are desperate for another outpouring of Your Spirit. Pour spiritual rain on our dry land.
We know that no politician and no political party can save us. Send another Great Awakening to our churches. Send another Jesus movement to our campuses. Let another Azusa Street Revival rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit. Forgive us, heal us and restore us, Lord!
In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
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J. Lee Grady is an author, award-winning journalist and ordained minister. He served as a news writer and magazine editor for many years before launching into full-time ministry.
Lee is the author of six books, including “10 Lies the Church Tells Women,” “10 Lies Men Believe” and “Fearless Daughters of the Bible.” His years at Charisma magazine also gave him a unique perspective of the Spirit-filled church and led him to write “The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale” and “Set My Heart on Fire,” which is a Bible study on the work of the Holy Spirit.
