A Prayer for an Election Season:  To Be Kind to One Another

Our Father in Heaven,

We thank you that our country has free and safe elections. Although we often take that for granted, we know that this is so different from those who live in Russia, China and other countries around the world.

In 2024, we will again have the opportunity to vote for the candidates who best align with our beliefs and values, which are shaped by your word. The issues of the economy, crime, our southern border, and the lives of the unborn are among those most important to voters. I have friends and family members who believe very differently about these issues than I do. We may also have members of our church that believe differently on these issues than we do. Some find it difficult to maintain friendship or fellowship with those who have different political beliefs than they do. In some cases, families may have been split, friendships ended and fellowship broken.

Father, how are we to navigate these times when so many are divided over the most important issues, and taking an opposing view can lead us to think of those on the “other side” as enemies?

Jesus told us: You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. 
(Matthew 5:43-45)

During the past several days, I’ve been listening to Sinclair Ferguson teach about the fruit of the Spirit on his podcast Things Unseen. Father, in these divisive times, please help us to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. Paul writes:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)

Father, in particular, help us to be kind, patient and loving to those who hold beliefs different from our own. We may find it hard to believe how they could take positions or back candidates different from us. And they may feel the same way about us. Paul tells us that love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4), and that we should be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32). Micah 6:8 tells us:

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen

Bill Pence is a St. Louis Cardinals fan, formerly a manager at a Fortune 50 organization, and in leadership at his local church. His life-long passion is to help people develop and use their strengths to their fullest potential. Bill is married to his best friend Tammy, a graduate of Covenant Seminary. Both have written a book. Bill’s book is, Called to Lead: Living and Leading for Jesus in the workplace. Tammy’s book is,  Study, Savor and Share Scripture: Becoming What We Behold are available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. To discover more about Bill please visit his website.

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