By Steve Higginbotham
During this season of partisan politics that often lead to rancor, division, and rashly spoken words, may I invite you to distance yourself from the fray and engage in something much more beneficial – prayer! And if you’re not sure what to pray for, allow me to offer a few suggestions:
Pray for all those who are in authority, irrespective of political parties (1 Timothy 2:1-5). Pray that God be honored and Jesus’ name be lifted up by the people and the laws they enact. Pray that the Lord’s church will become a vocal, moral, and spiritual voice for our communities. Pray for peace within and without our nation. Pray for the institution of the home as God would have it. Pray for boldness as we live in an increasingly secular culture. Pray for justice. Pray for civility. Pray for the hopeless and the weary that they may find hope and rest in Jesus. Pray that you may be used as a tool in God’s providence to engage, teach, and convert truth-seekers. Pray for your enemies and your attitude toward them. Pray for unity among believers that the world might believe our message. Pray for the overturning of all laws that violate the character and ethics of God. Pray prayers of intercession on behalf of those who are subject to the discipline of God. Pray that our loyalty to God is never challenged by our loyalty to a political party or leader. Pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Pray that we never look to politics, government, or military to be our savior, but to put our trust
in Jesus alone.
We live in challenging times; racial tensions, political tensions, moral and spiritual tensions, all of which can discourage us and weaken our resolve. However, for the child of God who has a Christian worldview, these challenges can be opportunities to conduct ourselves and speak in ways that bring glory to God. So, I encourage you to pray, and live intentionally with a view to rise above the fray, and redeem the opportunities to be a reflection of the one we serve.