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And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
The U.S. election is fast approaching and now, more than ever, we need to be in prayer for America. But sometimes it can be hard to know where to begin — especially when it involves politics. While facts and information fill our minds, it is the state of our hearts that concerns God the most. Below you’ll find guided prayers on different topics related to the upcoming election from different members of our staff. Audio recordings are also provided for the moments when you just want to completely surrender in God’s presence.
We hope these prayers provide a consistent rhythm of prayer and serve as a reliable foundation for you leading up to November 5th. Regardless of the outcome, we hold on to the promise that God remains faithful and constant. May we never forget his sovereign hand reigns each and every day.
A Prayer for America During the 2024 Election and Our Elected Officials by Matthew Soerens, VP of Advocacy and Policy
“Lord,
Your Word instructs us to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”We bring before you the U.S. elections, as the American people collectively choose who will be the president of our country as well as representatives and senators in the U.S. Congress, and many others seeking positions of authority at every level.
We pray that your hand would guide the campaigns and the elections themselves, that all candidates would articulate their differing policy perspectives while speaking respectfully of their opponents and of all people made in the Image of God.
We pray for a peaceful transfer of power, regardless of whether our preferred candidates win or lose.
And we pray for all those who are ultimately elected, that you would grant each of them wisdom, humility and courage to govern our nation in ways that serve the common good, that preserve the rights of all people to practice their faith, and that prioritize the wellbeing of those who are vulnerable amidst the great crises facing our world, including the poor, orphans, refugees and other immigrants.
We pray this in the name of our King, Jesus, at whose name one day every knee shall bow.
Amen.“
– Matthew Soerens
A Prayer for America in Our Relationships and Discourse by Kathryn Freeman, National Advocacy and Operations Specialist
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of community and the difference in creativity, knowledge and abilities that exist within our community. Lord, we are in a challenging time where difference threatens to divide us rather than unite us under a common purpose to love you and our neighbors. This divide has made it difficult to share our hearts and our struggles. But Lord, we know you are bigger and nothing will conquer your Bride — the church.
So, we pray for wisdom and discernment in our conversations about the very real issues facing our neighbors and our families. Things that seem political but have an impact on the flourishing of those around us, on their ability to work, feed their families, send their kids to school, breathe clean air, drive on safe roads, and live healthy and fulfilling lives. Knowing this, we pray against the spirit of fear that would silence us when we need to be loud and the spirit of pride that keeps us from listening to others share their hearts and struggles.
We pray that in discussing the real impacts of policy decisions by our elected leaders that we would be led by the fruits of the spirit: kindness, peace, gentleness, self-control, joy, patience, and most of all, love. Love for justice, love for our neighbors and their well-being, love for the least and the lost but most of all, Lord, love for you, God.
Amen.“
– Kathryn Freeman
A Prayer for Seeking Truth and Discernment in Our Advocacy by Jess Galván, Sr. Content Specialist for World Relief and Advocate
“God Almighty,
Your Holy Spirit fills us with the capacity to pursue justice and to declare the truth when lies surround us and our neighbors. You are a God of justice and truth. Your love for each and every one of us transcends borders, policies and misinformation. All of us are made in your image and we pray for this truth to be the strongest reminder in our hearts as we engage in a season that can stretch our understanding.
Help us lean on Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” In our pursuit of the truth, guide and direct us so that we are genuinely transformed to live out a bold love for our neighbor, the foreigner and the sojourner. Remind us that love and compassion is not a sign of weakness but of our direct resolve to be like Jesus.
Give us the courage to advocate and affirm the dignity of refugees and other immigrants fleeing the most horrifying of circumstances. Prompt us to move, rooted in a faith anchored in love. Nudge us closer and closer to truth to bring glory to your creation. May the Holy Spirit serve as our dependable guide, showing us the way.
Amen.“
– Jess Galván
A Prayer for Proximity and Bold Service by Rodney Greener, Volunteer at World Relief Memphis
“Father,
I praise you for this day and the opportunities that come with it to surrender my life to you and to be used by you to touch the lives of others — not in my strength, but through your power and wisdom.
As your divine plan unfolds today, grant me the boldness to share your words to transform the lives of the people around me. Give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone. Even with differences in language, customs and beliefs, please provide the understanding to bridge those differences. Keep within me a genuine desire to serve while also ready to receive from your image bearers, remembering that they also have much to give.
May anyone I meet or serve today see your heart reaching out to them in the midst of their life circumstances. Draw them to you, open their eyes to see your great love for them and may you receive all the glory.
Thank you that my life is enriched through obedience as my heart comes in line with yours, desiring that no one should perish, but that all come to the knowledge of the truth. Thanks for this opportunity to serve you.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.“
– Rodney Greener
Want more audio prayer prompts like this? Or perhaps you still need some guidance on how to navigate controversial topics like immigration before election day? Don’t miss out on getting your FREE election toolkit, Election Ready: Navigating Immigration Issues With Clarity and Courage.
Jessica Galván is a Content Writer at World Relief. She is passionate about storytelling and amplifying diverse voices to reveal the beauty of God’s creation. She is also the Editorial Director for Chasing Justice and prior to World Relief, she was a freelance writer and editor for a variety of clients in publishing, most recently Penguin Random House. When she isn’t wordsmithing for the pursuit of faith and justice, she is spending time with her husband and their 3 children in the Houston, TX area.