I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Dear God, yes, maybe this morning I should just spend some time praying for our leaders and our country. So for what should I pray?

• Your glory to reign in the hearts of our leaders
• The pain that is happening right now will be redeemed and fulfill your purposes. That it won’t be wasted. You will. Make it count.
• Integrity in the process.
• For the safety of election workers and all political officials involved in the count.
• Wisdom for the decision makers.
• That those who are charged with watching out for our safety 24/7 (FBI, CIA, military, law enforcement, etc.) will be given insight, wisdom, and discernment to continue to do their jobs well.
• That you will give those making decisions about pandemic response the strength and wisdom to lead us as a nation, and that you will spare as many lives and as much pain as possible.
• That you will give the winners of the elections the wisdom to lead our nation under your guidance, and those who did not win the grace to step aside and be a constructive influence on the future.
• That our bottom as a nation will not have to go any lower in terms of division and hatred before we start to rebound.
• That your church will know its role in the country. Where we should and should not be involved in politics. How we should respond to COVID-19. What new roots we should be developing sine our old paradigms have been shattered.
• That those in need will have their needs met. From housing, to hunger, to medical care, to safety from violence, please raise up your church to meet these needs.

Father, these are just some of the things I can pray. I could sit here all day. Holy Spirit, move in our land. Take the Father’s presence into every office, every home, every business, every government agency. Bring repentance first to the church and then to the nation. And that starts with me. I’m sorry for the hate in my heart. I’m sorry for how I’ve judged people. I’m sorry for my hubris. I’m sorry I not been as grateful to you as I should be. I’m sorry I haven’t given you the glory you deserve. I love you, and I am sorry.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen