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Election season is underway in the US, and the political rhetoric is hotter than ever.
The stark contrast in values between the parties means many of us have already decided who will get our vote. Nevertheless, we must tolerate the relentless stream of campaign ads bombarding the airwaves until the first Tuesday of November. Some ads are educational and informative, others are humorous, some overtly harsh or downright cruel, and some outright misleading. Each one vying for our singular vote.
On November 5, Americans will make our way to the polls and cast our one vote. Just one – that’s all we get.
Like you, I will cast my single vote. It holds equal importance among the millions that will be cast that day. Voting is not just a civic duty. It is also a privilege and a blessing. We are fortunate to live in a country where the people get to choose their government leaders. This civic responsibility should never be taken lightly.
More than a vote
Each of us is entitled to only one vote. Citizens have another responsibility towards our nation: to pray for our leaders. Prayer is potent. It brings change. Fortunately, the extent of our prayers is bound only by our readiness to engage in them.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2: 1-2
Recently, there has been a significant increase in Christians recognizing the importance of praying for our nation. The results of these earnest prayers are beginning to manifest. A bullet merely grazed former President Trump’s ear. It did not cause more severe harm. This incident is widely regarded as an act of divine intervention.
The new Speaker of the House, a Christian who appeared to emerge from relative obscurity, is Mike Johnson. I had not heard of Mike Johnson before his election as Speaker. His election occurred after weeks of confusion and turmoil among the Republican representatives. This leader has turned out to be a blessing. He is eloquent, extremely intelligent, has a thorough understanding of the Constitution, and possesses the bravery to adhere to it. Above all, he is a man of faith, ready to be guided by the Lord in leading our nation. I believe the faithful’s prayers played a key role in God’s intervention. This intervention elevated him to this prominent position.
We’ve recently seen deception uncovered. We’ve observed monumental supreme court decisions that have changed the course of our nation for the better. Unfounded charges brought against a presidential candidate have been dropped. This week we observed a Republican national convention where God and Jesus Christ were glorified. No one is perfect. But, the uplifting speeches coming out of the convention this week have brought a sense of heightened hope. The speeches have brought a sense of heightened hope. They have done so after years of perceived decline for our country.
None of this would have come about without the fervent prayers of Christians in this nation.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective – James 5:16b
America is facing daunting challenges, and powerful forces seek to undermine us. As Christians, we must all exercise our right to vote in November. We must persist in advocating for causes close to our heart, like the right for the unborn to live. Above all, we must keep praying for our nation.
Prayer is the most powerful thing any of us can do. It will secure a safe, prosperous, and noble nation for our children and grandchildren. Let’s keep it up! Let’s increase it even more! Let’s take advantage of the unlimited access to the throne of God. We have this access for our families, our nation, and our world!
If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14.
