Pray for Elections
Elections are an important moment to partner with God and pray for our future leaders.
These prayer activities have been created to help you and your community pray for change that is only possible with God’s intervention.
You can use these guides to pray for local or national elections, in your own nation or in another country. You might like to read through and choose some sections to focus on, or slowly work through this guide in full.
This guide has been written to help you pray for elections. You can use it to pray for local or national elections, in your own nation or in another country. There are eight different topics divided into three sections:
Pray for the process
Pray for the nation
Pray for the future
You might like to read through and choose some sections to focus on, or slowly work through this guide in full. If you are praying in a group, you could assign each topic to individuals or smaller groups
Pause
There can be a lot of fear and anger around elections. As we come into prayer now, let’s pause for a moment and present our hearts to the Holy Spirit, asking him to bring us into his perspective.
Lord, I know that you are so much bigger than anything we are facing. Thank you that you reign above it all. As I pray today, I ask you to lead me into your perspective of the situation, full of your comfort, your authority, and your hope.
Pray for the Process
Pray for the polls and vote counting
Let’s pray for the process of vote casting:
That it would be safe, fair, and accessible to all.
That God would protect polling stations and make them places of peace.
That every vote would be counted and accurately reported.
That election workers would be filled with peace, surrounded by safety, and able to work with efficiency and integrity.
Pray for the polls and vote counting
Tensions run high around elections, so let’s pray for peace to cover every part of the process:
That Jesus, the Prince of Peace, would reign over the nation with his peace.
That God would help any frustration to be channeled into productive action and conversation.
That there would be no violence of any kind.
That if there is to be an exchange of power, it should happen peacefully and with respect.
Pray for voters:
Let’s pray for everyone voting in the upcoming election:
That God would give voters ‘wisdom from heaven’ so that they can be ‘impartial and sincere’.
That young voters and first-time voters would feel empowered to make their voices heard.
That the process of casting a vote is straightforward and safe for every voter.
That voters make decisions with godly wisdom, led by the Holy Spirit.
Pray for the Nation
Pray for principalities
There are spiritual realities involved in human circumstance, and Jesus has ultimate authority over every ‘spiritual force of evil’ in our world. Let’s pray against the darkness that is enflaming fear, despair, and violence in people’s hearts:
That where there is division, God would bring unity and respect. Let’s bless each political party and different group with a heart for unity and cooperation.
That where there are lies and false narratives, God would bring revelation and truth.
That where there is despair, God would bring hope and vision. As we read the verse from Isaiah again, let’s remember that this is what Jesus does. He is at work in our nation. Let’s pray for his vision for our nation to inspire hope.
Pray for media
Let’s pray that the media contribute to these elections in helpful ways:
That reporting will be accurate and true.
That the media will promote conversation rather than division.
That there will be no ‘brawling and slander’ or malice, but rather words that speak the truth in love.
That God will work among the media to shed light on what is hidden.
Pray for the church
Let’s pray for the church to bear God’s light during these elections:
That in the church we would keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, not becoming overwhelmed by the circumstances or placing all our hope in human leadership.
That the church would lead the way in humility, truth, compassion and love throughout these elections – especially with those who we may disagree with.
That God would give us wisdom to know not just how to vote in a way that honours him, but also what ‘good works’ he is calling us into to express his Kingdom during this time.
That God would protect the church from any persecution or violence during these elections.
Pray for the future
Pray for the leaders
Let’s pray for the leaders who are involved in this election:
That God would bless each candidate, successful or not, with wisdom and grace.
That God would give our political leaders a heart for unity and peace.
That God would intervene to bring the leaders who will best serve his vision for our nation into power.
That God will raise up righteous leaders who are trustworthy, ethical, and pure of heart.
Pray for the leaders
As we look to a future beyond these elections, let’s pray:
That God establishes a government of justice and righteousness in our nation.
That all forms of injustice and corruption are exposed and destroyed.
That those in power actively fight against all forms of oppression and discrimination, allowing freedom to flourish.
That mercy and compassion for all people are restored in laws, policies, and our hearts.