With election fever gripping the country (or, at least, voting apathy not completely blanketing this land) it's good to take a moment on poll-day to stop and pray for those who are standing in elections today - maybe especially the many believers who are seeking to serve God in the political arena.
Whether we're true blue, passionately orange, profoundly red or any other shade on the political spectrum - whether we're avidly reading every piece of literature that each party posts through our door or recycling each leaflet without a second glance - we have a biblical responsibility to talk to God about those who lead us (1 Timothy 2:2) and when better to do that than the day the votes are cast?
So, why not take a moment now to pray that those elected will show:
Wisdom
When Solomon became King, he asked God for wisdom (1 Kings 3). Pray that our new leaders will turn to God and be wise and godly in their decision making.
Justice
Proverbs 28:15 reminds us that a wicked ruler is as destructive as a charging bear. Pray that those standing will have a heart for doing what is right.
Integrity
When the Satraps of Daniel's time tried to find something with which to accuse Daniel, they could find nothing to hold against him (Daniel 6). What integrity! What honesty! Let's pray that our new and returning MEPs and local councillors will want to be seen to have the same high standards.
Submission
We are all under authority. Let's pray for ourselves that we will willingly submit to the leaders God chooses to place over us (Romans 13; Titus 3:1) and that they will submit to God as their Lord and Saviour.
Praise
"The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1). Let's pray that they (and us) will praise God for his sovereign will this election day ... whether the outcome is to our particular liking or not!
