God’s Sovereignty and Christian Prayer in a Presidential Election
by: Mike Fourman
Presidential Election Week | Prayer, Sovereignty, and the Church
Call to Prayer: Sunday, November 3, 2024
We are going to take a moment this morning and pray for our nation. This week is a presidential election, and division and contention are all around us.
How does Scripture tell the People of God to approach a political Election?
First, we must pray:
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
Second, we must recognize God’s Soverignty (meaning His will is accomplished and His work is done) in all things, including elections. Sometimes that includes His work of judgment. Yet, always in mercy because He intends to redeem and save and advance His Kingdom.
Daniel 2:21 – “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; …”
God is not anxious — or filled with worry! And because our Father is in charge, neither should we be anxious. We should be prayerful but not anxious—today or on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. We encourage you, Christian, don’t let your emotions go too high or too low because of an election. Don’t look to Washington; look to Jesus and claim His promises.
Daniel 4:17 — “…the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will and sets over it the lowliest of men.”
Additionally, from Scripture, we recognize that God has instituted government authority. Therefore, we must obey that authority in obedience to God.
Romans 13:1 – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
Finally, we must recognize that God’s Kingdom advances through His Church. His Kingdom is not advanced through political favor nor is it hindered by political persecution. Let me say that again.
The Sovereign God of the universe has one purpose in this world … His Glory advanced through His Church by the salvation of the lost, and the obedience and worship of His people.
Take heart, Christians. Jesus says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
In just a moment, we are going to pray. And tonight, we are encouraging everyone to join us here at 5 p.m. for a guided prayer meeting and worship service where we will spend one hour praying together for the election, for our political leaders, and for the church in the US and abroad.
Let’s pray!
…God’s Kingdom advances through His Church. His Kingdom is not advanced through political favor nor is it hindered by political persecution.