Praying For People To Have Wisdom On How To Vote

Debbie Wuthnow from ivoterguide.com describes how politicians often deceive with their words and discusses the importance of wisdom in making policy and candidate choices. She states, “Ephesians 5:6 warns us: ‘Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.’ And, Proverbs 15:4 tells us that ‘The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.’ How incredible it is that our words hold the power to be a fruitful source of life, or a crushing source of hopelessness. Because of the weight that words can carry, faith-based voters must ensure that we are using our words wisely, but also interpreting the words of others in truth, no matter how they may be presented.”

Nicole Ault wrote an article published by Hillsdale College in which she says, “A good citizen is charged with the task of seeking the best for his community…Rather than voting for its own sake, citizens should seek to educate themselves and others so that informed concern, not ignorant conformity, drives election participation.

Voter ignorance is widespread and well documented: More than a third of Americans can’t name any of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment, and only 26 percent of Americans can name the three branches of government, according to a 2017 study from the Annenberg Public Policy Center.” She goes on to stress the importance of taking the time to understand what candidates stand for and why they are running for office.

All-Wise God, You change the times and the seasons, You remove and set up kings, You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding (Daniel 2:21). Help me to trust in You with all of my heart so that I don’t try to lean on my own understanding. May I acknowledge You in all my ways so that You will make my paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6) as I approach my responsibility of voting wisely in this upcoming election.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to deception and give you discernment as you determine how to vote.
• Pray Proverbs 2:10 – that wisdom will come into your heart and that knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
• Pray James 1:5 – ask God for the wisdom you lack. He promises to give it to you freely.  
• Pray Colossians 1:9 – that you and all who are voting will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
• Ask for the wisdom from above that is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).