In just two weeks, our nation’s citizens will be called upon to vote for the leaders and initiatives that reflect our values, consciences, and the direction in which we want our future to go. This will be one of those very significant elections that will have extremely long-lasting implications. We could literally be deciding how the next two or three generations will live. We could be choosing what kind of country this will be from this point forward. It will be historical. 

During election years, you have the opportunity to exercise one of your most valued rights of citizenship — voting! I pray that you do, and that you encourage your congregation to do so as well. Help your people to understand the importance of voting and to do so with the wisdom, preparation, and values that Christ would expect.

With so many liberal and humanist groups flooding pastors and other leaders with intentional misinformation, it is important for pastors to know the activities they can legally undertake and those that could have an impact on their church’s tax-exempt status. 

Under current guidelines, pastors and churches are allowed to address any issues or ballot measures specifically, examining them from a biblical viewpoint and presenting Godly counsel on how to vote. However, when acting as a representative of the church, a pastor must avoid openly favoring one candidate over another, or endorsing one candidate over another. Still, statements made that are clearly those of an individual citizen — and not of an official agent or representative of a nonprofit organization or church — are legal.

Make the most of voting guides that are widely circulated. Use your Sunday school classes as a forum for education on the issues. Speak from your pulpit on ballot measures that affect your schools, church families, and reverence for the sanctity of human life. Remind your people of the principles of Christ-like living that should guide them daily in their decisions and actions.

It is absolutely crucial that you fully participate in this responsibility of citizenship and vote, and that you urge your people to do the same. No American should abdicate his voice on how this country is shaped. Likewise, none of us leaves our relationship with God and His influence over how we think, speak, and live behind when we leave the church building. Make sure He is the guiding force in your role as a citizen.

Finally, it is critical that Christians pray for the coming presidential election. There is amazing power in united prayer. Pray with others whenever possible. The power of prayer can overcome any obstacle or ungodly influence and, indeed, do great things!

Prayer Suggestions

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Acts 17:30 — Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.

Psalm 32:6-7 — Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from any wrong leaders.

Proverbs 16:13 — Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.

Psalm 125 — Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.

Psalm 86:14-17 — Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.

2 Kings 13:16 — Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.

Luke 12:54-57 — Pray that God’s man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.

Psalm 16:7-8 — Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.

Proverbs 1:5-6 — Pray that God’s man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.

John 16:33 — Pray that the man of God’s choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.

Philippians 4:13 — Pray that the Lord’s choice for president will have special strength and unusual ability from God.

Psalm 18:32-36 — Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; would guide him in battle (this election); and would sustain him and give him victory.

Hebrews 11:32-34 — Pray that God’s man could, through faith, persevere and maintain His courage throughout this election.

2 Corinthians 12:9 — Pray that the Lord would empower and enable His man in any area of weakness.