You are a prayer warrior.

Has anyone ever said that to you before? Well, it’s true. It doesn’t matter whether you feel like much of a champion “pray-er,” either. It’s who God created you to be. From the beginning, God designed us to walk and talk with Him. And, in Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul says after putting on the full armor of God that we “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” That makes you–and me–prayer warriors.

Our hearts (and our world) need prayers. As we head into another election season, use these as a guide to lift up words that would heal and not harm, words that would bring people together rather than push people apart, and words to tether our hearts to Him rather than bind us to the ways of the world.

1. A Prayer for Wisdom in the Voting Booth

Scriptures:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” – James 3:17

Prayer:
Oh, Father. I don’t know what to do. Everywhere I turn, I hear an opinion on how to vote. I need Your heaven-sent wisdom to disperse the cloud of confusion so I can clearly see Your direction. Give me eyes to see what You want me to do. Lead me to filter every vote–from the local to the national–through the wisdom You give me. If left to make these decisions alone, I might make one based on fear or anger or another person’s direction. Or, I might throw up my hands and claim no one gets my vote and choose not to vote at all. But that’s not a wise decision either. I want to make a voting decision full of peace, love, consideration, mercy, and in total submission to Your will. Amen.

2. A Prayer for Help in Loving Others with Different Political Views

Scripture:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:37-39

Prayer:
Father, I need to confess something to You. I’m having a hard time not thinking negatively about my neighbor. She put up a political sign in her yard that I don’t agree with at all. In fact, I want to sneak over there at night and take it down. And, also there are several of my friends on social media who keep talking about the people they plan to vote for. And I don’t agree with them either. Our different political views are starting to change the way I think about them. If I’m honest, I’m even wondering if I should be friends with them at all. But God, I know that’s not Your will or Your way. You are a God of restoration, not division. You teach us to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves, even if they think, act, talk, or vote differently from us. But I need Your help to love my neighbors, especially during the election. I want to glorify You in every relationship You put in my life, whether we align in the voting booth or not. After all, you created all of us. Amen.

3. A Prayer to Remember Who Is Really in Control

Scripture:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things on heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:15-17

Prayer:
Father, thank You for so clearly making Yourself known through Jesus. Through Him, You remind us again and again that You are in control of all creation. But sometimes, a part of me forgets that, especially when I feel anxious about the future of my country or our world or when I falsely believe that one person–or a group of people–holds the only key to fixing all the problems. In those moments, please remind me of the truth found in Colossians 1:15-17. Jesus is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together. Amen.

4. A Prayer for a Peaceful and Honest Election Process

Scripture:
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:16

Prayer:
Father, I want to keep this simple. Please blanket your peace over the election process. No matter the outcome. If anger starts to rise, calm the storm. Give us Your peace at all times and in every way. Amen.

5. A Prayer for Our Elected Leaders

Scripture:
“I, urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Prayer:
Father, I ask that You draw our world leaders and elected officials to You and teach them Your ways. Give them wisdom and discernment in their daily work. Give them health in their bodies, minds, and spirits. For those who don’t claim Jesus as Lord and Savior in their hearts, I ask that they come to know You and courageously take that step of faith. For those who already gave their lives to Christ, I pray that in every decision and in every relationship, You are glorified. And, Father, I can’t begin to imagine the burdens they carry. Please set your yoke lightly on their shoulders and give them Your rest. Amen.

6. A Prayer for Unity

Scripture:
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.– Galatians 5:22,23 NLT

Prayer:
Father, I admit I perpetuate the thought that we live in a divided country in the US. But I don’t want to do that anymore, especially among my brothers and sisters in Christ. You alone can unite us. Oh, Father, we need You to do that. Left alone we squabble and fight in such a way that nonbelievers are pushed away from You. I know this is a bold ask, but Father, unite us so that our actions, our thoughts, and even our social media posts glorify You and that all believers are identified by the Fruit of the Spirit. Remind us that we are united under the cross and Jesus came for everyone. Amen.

7. A Prayer for Trust

Scripture:
“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:2

Prayer:
Oh, Father. I am so worried. I don’t know what is going to happen on Election Day or the day after. But I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow either. The only thing I know for certain is that You will be there. You were there yesterday. You are here today, and You will be there tomorrow. Whether or not the outcome of the election aligns with how I voted, I trust that You will never abdicate Your throne or hand over Your authority. Ever. I trust your sovereignty over my life and this world. Keep building my trust in You like a fortress around my heart and mind, keeping me protected from worries about the future. Amen.