One of the most painful, confusing presidential elections in history is over. Regardless of your view on the results, life continues. The question before us as believers is, “Now what?” Will we stop praying for our nation or intensify our prayers? Was this really just about who would be the next president of the United States, or did God use this election to stir us up in prayer to depend upon Him more than ever before?
Clearly it is not time to stop or slow down in our prayer lives. More than ever, the future of our nation depends upon the prayers of God’s people. Although of course there are many more things we can pray about, here are some important ways to begin to seriously intercede for the United States in the days ahead.
1. Healing in the Church
One of the worst things to happen in this election has been the division among followers of Jesus. Pray for healing of relationships and for the desire of Jesus for unity among His disciples to be fulfilled. “That they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23b).
2. Healing in the Nation
This election has revealed the depths of division in our nation. Opposing world views that fought over the ballot box will continue to battle unless the Lord steps in and brings His peace. Pray especially for the true tolerance that allows opposing views to be expressed freely. “And He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near” (Eph. 2:17).
3. Wisdom for Our New President
Leading this nation through these perilous times requires wisdom only God can give. Pray especially for the choices for the Cabinet and key advisers. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who live it have insight. His praise endures forever!” (Ps. 111:10).
4. Supreme Court Choice
For many, the selection of Supreme Court justices became a key part of this election. Pray for wisdom for the president and the Senate as they make choices that will impact our nation for many years. “Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion, every man to his brother” (Zech. 7:9).
5. Truth to Guide the Media
Media bias and accuracy was a key concern and issue during this election. Pray for a spirit of truth to cover the media and that reporters and news networks would see their role as givers of information and not as shapers of thought. “Have I not written to you excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you might answer the words of truth to those who send to you?” (Prov. 22:20-21).
6. A Stable Economy
An election season such as this past one brings great uncertainty to an economy that was already unsteady. Ask the Lord to steady our economy so His people can continue to give generously toward helping the poor and advancing the kingdom of Christ. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that through His poverty you might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).
7. Revival and a Great Awakening
One of the greatest benefits of this confusing election season has been the increasing awareness within the Church that we desperately need revival. Pray for God to send another revival and Great Awakening to our nation that would awaken the Church, bring salvation to millions and transform the culture of our nation. “Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might shake at Your presence, as when the melting fire burns, as the fire causes the waters to boil,
to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence!” (Isa. 64:1-2).
David Butts is the president of Harvest Prayer Ministries and the chairman of America’s National Prayer Committee. His newest book, With One Cry: A Renewed Challenge to Pray for America, will encourage and grow your passion to keep on praying for our nation. Used by permission of Harvest Prayer Ministries.
Janet Perez Eckles 
Shawn Akers 
Abby Trivett 
