Fifty-eight percent of Americans say religion is important in determining who they will support for president, according to a Religion News Service poll. Even more of them revealed that faith helps them deal with the stress and uncertainty surrounding the election.
From 250,000 women praying on the National Mall in D.C. to petitions posted online, prayer is rising in priority ahead of what’s seen as one of our history’s most divisive political seasons.
“The most important part that we need to pray for right now for the election is that those that are up for election will fear God,” Dr. Corne Bekker, dean of Regent University’s School of Theology, told CBN News.
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Bekker said while Scripture commands Christians to pray, he said doing so in alignment with God’s will is key.
“We need to pray for God’s will to be done,” said Bekker. “Jesus said it the best in the prayer that he taught us, may his kingdom come, may his will be done in our land as it is in heaven.”
It is a sentiment that is supported by Walter Kim of the National Association of Evangelicals who also urges believers to pray for opportunities to be a good witness for Christ.
“The politics will come and go,” said Kim. “Elected officials will come and go, but our commitments as Christ followers means that there’s a commitment to the good news of Jesus Christ and bearing witness to it that should endure past any election. And my deep concern is for the name of Jesus and the ways that Christians engage would be honoring to that name.”
Kim points to the biblical example found in James chapter one as a way forward. “James’ admonition here I think is so incredibly important. What is the posture that we’re taking? Are we quick to listen? Are we slow to speak? Are we slow to become angry? Because the righteousness of God that ultimately, we say we’re after really requires a different type of posture.”
News of at least two failed assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump has led voters across the country to worry about more violence.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that 73% of likely voters expressed concern about politically motivated violence following the election. Only 27% had little to no concern.
“One of the most dangerous things in the country right now is how volatile and divisive the language is, not only from politicians, but from ordinary citizens,” said Bekker. “And I think we as Christians should really pray. Jesus said the following, that a house divided against itself cannot stand. We need to pray for peaceful words, words that unite, words that bring healing, and indeed pray for God to unite this country again.”
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Reprinted with permission from cbn.com. Copyright © 2024 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
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