Prayer for America
Today America goes to the polls in one of the most divisive and bitter election campaigns in recent history. This is an election that impacts not just on America, but the world as a whole given the global influence of the United States. And when looking at the two main candidates many have reached the conclusion that deciding who to vote for comes down to picking the lesser of two evils. Both have their flaws. Neither appears to be a good representative of Christian values and morals. Both advocate for policies that go directly against Jesus’ teachings. Be it their policy on abortion, their lack of respect for women, their attitude towards loving their neighbour or their view on those of a different ethnicity, regardless of who gets elected many are fearful for what the future will hold.
But our hope is not in a President. Our allegiance is not to a political party. We are not represented by a donkey or an elephant, but by the Lamb. Our hope is in the King of Kings. We belong to an eternal Kingdom. This earth is not our home, we are simply passing through. Though there may be wars and rumours of wars we will be be dismayed or shaken, for we trust not in Trump or Hilary to save and deliver us, for they will fail us and let us down. We trust in the Lord of angel armies, whose love never fails and never lets us down.
Regardless of who wins this incredibly close election, and what policies they bring in one thing in certain. God is sovereign and reigning on His throne. No matter what Hilary or Trump do His Kingdom will not be overcome. Christ has built His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. So we need not fear. We can take heart, for nothing can separate us form the love of God. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (emphasis added).
America is not our ultimate home. We are just passing through earth on the way to a better country. This better country will not come through politicians pledging to make America great again or make us stronger together, but is only found by surrendering to the Maker of the heavens and living for His Kingdom. “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” Hebrews 11:16
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” 1 Peter 2:9. We have been called out of darkness into the marvellous light of Christ. We may see much darkness around us as the ballots close and votes get counted. But we are called to be witnesses to the light. We are called to remind people that we are a holy nation. A nation that does not know geographical boundaries and has no flawed President but a perfect loving, merciful, just King.
So as America goes to vote let us go to pray.
Pray that the marvellous light may be seen. Pray that eyes may be open to Jesus.
Pray that people who turn to Him for hope rather than a political leader.
Pray that we as the church would take up the banner of the Lamb and show there is a better way, a better Kingdom.
Pray that God would bless America – not for the prosperity and riches of the country, but for the salvation of souls who are lost, blind and despairing, in need of hope and a Saviour.
Pray that regardless of the final vote tally we may say “It is well with my soul, for Christ is ultimately sovereign over all”.