Today the British public head to the polls to cast their vote in a snap general election. However you feel about today's events, you can pray. God’s Word has not left us struggling to know what to pray for. We should pray—and pray earnestly—for today's election.
1. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor … or to governors.” 1 Peter 2 v 13-14
Thank God for those who are in authority over us in this country today, and tomorrow (whether you chose them or not). Thank God that he establishes each governing authority (Romans 13 v 1), and that that includes the results of this election. Pray that, unless and until you are called to disobey God by doing so, you would cheerfully submit to this country’s laws, whether you agree with them or not.
2. “It is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” 1 Peter 2 v 15
In a time when words multiply exponentially and cheaply, but do not necessarily add anything in wisdom, pray that you would tame your tongue (and typing finger). Pray that you would say nothing that is based on supposition, hearsay, or a determination to think ill of someone whose rosette is the wrong colour. Pray for opportunities to speak well, or to remain silent wisely, in a way that is noticeable to those around you, and marks you as having a different Master and an eternal perspective.
3. “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” 1 Peter 2 v 16
Praise God for the freedoms we have as citizens of a democratic country—freedom to disagree and to debate without fear of arrest. Praise God for the freedoms we have in the gospel as citizens of a perfectly-ruled heavenly country. Thank him that you are free from viewing life as chaotic, this election as potentially catastrophic, or this life as critical, because you know that God is sovereign, and your Saviour. Pray that, as a saved child of God, you would obey as a willing slave of God.
4. “Show proper respect to everyone … honour the emperor.” 1 Peter 2 v 17
Pray that, in every time and in every way and in every conversation, God would give you both wisdom and desire to obey every word of this command! (Whoever the “emperor” turns out to be for the next few years.)
5. “Love the family of believers, fear God.” 1 Peter 2 v 17
Thank God for your church family. Thank him for those you naturally see eye to eye with, and for those you don’t. Thank him that you are united in something deeper than politics, interests, stage of life, or wealth bracket—Christ. Thank him that you are engaged together in a cause of infinitely greater importance than any political creed or manifesto. Pray that you would not do or say anything that makes anyone else in your church feel belittled or judged for the person they voted for, but do all things in love.
Carl is Editorial Director at The Good Book Company and is a member of Grace Church Worcester Park, London. He is the best-selling author of The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross and God's Big Promises Bible Storybook, and also serves as series editor of the God's Word for You series. Before joining TGBC, he worked as a journalist and then as a teacher, and pastored a congregation in Hull. Carl is married to Lizzie, and they have two children. He studied history at Oxford University.
