A collection of election prayers

PAUL BUTLER, HOST: The following program is a special presentation of WORLD Radio and the creative team that brings you The World and Everything in It. I’m Paul Butler.

On November 1st we invited WORLD listeners to submit scripture readings and prayers for the 2024 election. We’ve done this sort of thing before, and gotten a good response. Usually receiving between 20 and 25 submissions. But this time listeners emailed us more than 60 recordings and texts.

Over the last few weeks, many listeners have written to us—thanking us for keeping a focus on prayer in the days following the election. We even got a handful of requests like this one from listener Steven Hubsher:

STEVEN HUBSHER: I was wondering if you would consider putting all of them together in a single file...

So, that’s what we’ve done. We divided all the recordings that came in, into four major themes…prayers for those in authority, prayers focused on Christ’s Kingdom, prayers for the church and its work in the world—asking God to bless our land with revival…and it all started on November 5th—with prayers about the election itself.

As you listen, be encouraged at how God answered the prayers of His people. Many of the prayers and readings look beyond the election…and with those, we hope you’ll pray along with—continuing to lift up our land, our states, towns, neighborhoods, churches, and homes.

And in case you’d like to read along as you listen, we’ve included a link in the show notes to the transcript of this program.

Thank you to everyone who sent in recordings, we are grateful for your participation. We've tried to include at least something from every recording we received. And now let us pray…

CINDA MARTURANO: Father in heaven. We thank you for Jesus, our righteous King, the only ruler who has the scepter. We ask that our country would stop giving their allegiance to man, but to return to You and honor You in this election. Lord, give man discernment of who to vote for, and I also pray against corruption, that Lord, You would hold it back so that your will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

CYNTHIA LONGABAUGH: Dear Heavenly Father, you're still the Lord who raises kings and deposes them, and we ask you to have mercy on us. There are coins that say that we are a nation under God. We have forgotten You, and that is why all this has happened. Forgive us and have mercy on us and raise up leaders up and down the ballot who want to serve your purposes. Protect the integrity of our election, so that no one will cry foul on the day after. Lord, grant us your mercy. Renew the church. We pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

DAVID SABLE: Almighty God to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges, guide and direct we humbly pray the mind of all those who are called to elect fit persons to serve in government granted in the exercise of our choice, we may promote your glory and the welfare of this nation, this we ask for the sake of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

EMILY RISHEL: Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings, and one specific thing I want to ask Jesus, is that you will keep eruptions of violence from happening on either side, no matter who wins the election. And God, I pray that we can just have a fair election and accept the results and move on to what you call us to do, because You are the King. And we pray this for so many levels of our government, Lord, that you will be turning hearts towards yourself for your glory, not because we deserve it. We ask this in Jesus's name.

AMY HUFFMAN: Dear Heavenly Father, sovereign God, rule in our hearts and in our land. Blessed Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. You live, died and rose for our salvation. Bring all peoples to a saving knowledge of yourself. Holy Spirit, enlighten our hearts and minds with your truth, guide people to see the evil that is abortion and defeat the pro abortion amendments in 10 states. Protect unborn babies and their parents. Triune God, defend us and restrain evil in our country now and in the weeks and years ahead. Amen.

ABBY DEVON: Lord, we pray for courage for our politicians and Christian voters all across the country, that they would have the courage to stand up for life, and that you would empower them to give their vote to the unborn who have no voice. Amen.

SAM BURNETT: Matthew 2:16-18: “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked  became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem, then once fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 'a voice was heard in Ramah, weeping in loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children. She refused to be comforted because they are no more.'” Father, we know that this slaughter of children continues to this day. How can we expect anything good to happen to this nation when the main issue in the election is whether we can legally kill our offspring? Father, we pray for your saving grace to save the elect, bring them to yourself now today. Father, we pray for your common grace that it will restrain evil in society. Father, we pray, no matter what happens, whether we receive your mercy, or your judgment this week, that the church will be built and the church will continue to honor, glorify, and magnify the name of Christ through all of this, and may the glory go to Him and Him alone. We pray in Christ's name, amen.

KIM ELLIS: Heavenly Father, we pray for justice to be done in our land, for our election to be fair. For our leaders, to honor you. Second Chronicles 7:14, says: “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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” I pray Lord that it's not too late for us.

TERESA PAGE: God, we lift up our nation today. We thank You, Father, God, that You are holy. You are on your throne, and you're in control of all things, of our life and of history as it unfolds. We come before You today, and we pray Lord against national disruption related to the outcome of this election, and we pray for peace, Lord, in our hearts. And we pray that this election would be done legitimately, Lord, that the results would be tallied accurately and with legitimacy and integrity. Lord, we pray that if there's anyone or anybody wanting interfere with the election results, Lord, that you would halt or hamper those efforts. Lord that You would not allow them to be successful. Lord, we pray for your will to be done in this election. And we trust that you're hearing the cries of your children's hearts for the well being and the health of our nation. Lord for the ability to enact laws, Lord that will glorify You. Lord, we ask these in Jesus's name, amen.

CATHY MESCHER: Psalm 22:28: "For kingship belongs to the LORD, and He rules over the nations." Sovereign Lord, we ask for your favor and mercy over our nation in the 2024 election. May your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

MICAH FELBER: We thank you for the privileges and freedoms that we have enjoyed as a nation. And we pray that they would continue. We thank You for the privilege to vote. But You know, Father, there are no perfect candidates to vote for this week. And Father, this election is causing divisions with the very neighbors that we desire to share the gospel with. We pray that You would give us good conversations with our neighbors that point them not toward better politics, but point them toward You. That they would come to the knowledge of the truth. And we pray these things in Jesus's name, amen.

ANNA STROUD: Lord, we thank You for all you have done, and we thank You for our political leaders. We are in a time in our community where there will be transitions in political leadership, and we pray that You would touch all who are running for public or government office. We ask that their hearts are in your hands and that You, Lord, would lead them. Isaiah, 43:19 states, "to not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." We know leaders have to make tough decisions, but Lord, you have already dealt with everything they will have to face. Lord, as our leaders transition, we ask that they have an open line of communication with you. Amen.

DANIEL HENRY: We ask for you to graciously reveal your son to both party nominees, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. To their running mates, Tim Walz and JD Vance. I pray this for both parties, whether they lose and find themselves humbled before You, or win the election and suddenly find themselves in power, needing wisdom. Why should they continue on in unbelief to their own shame, and lead their nation or loved ones into evil? And we intercede, not only for them alone, but for all who are in high positions. Let them be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Most High God, we thank You for your control of the hearts of kings. That You changed nations and times through Nebuchadnezzar and Constantine. Do so again, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way, and may your church not take such blessings for granted, but let your people make use of the freedom boldly proclaiming in this nation, faith in Jesus, the Christ, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In Jesus's name, amen.

LINDSAY VANDER ARK: Heavenly Father, You are the creator and sustainer of all the world. We trust in You and in your promises. By your Spirit, help us to submit to the earthly authorities You have established, to honor our elected and appointed officials and to seek the good of everyone at this time. May your church be energized in this nation to be a beacon of truth, hope, love and generosity. May the leaders of this nation, from the President to local authorities, fear You and give You glory. It is in Christ's name, the one in whom we find complete redemption and restoration that I pray, amen.

DAN JOHNSON: We thank You for the privilege of living in a nation that is rooted in your word and the honor of participating with You in your work of reconciliation and redemption in a fallen world. We pray for our elected leaders that they would bring dignity, honor, trustworthiness and righteousness to the office they hold. And we pray for our nation that the motto of one nation under God would be realized in all its splendor. We offer this in the precious name of Jesus, our Savior, amen.

ELIZABETH O'NEILL: O great and powerful God whose name is the Lord Almighty. Great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. These words from Jeremiah's prayer encourage me to look to You alone. Lord, forgive me for misplaced hopes as I have looked at man's answers to man's problems. Encourage your people who serve us in government, give them courage and favor. Let your purposes reign and let us bow before you with submissive hearts. In your name, amen.

RYAN ROPER: Father. I pray that your people would commit our ways to You. That we would trust in You to act, and that we, as your word tells us to, would do good and befriend faithfulness, and delight ourselves in You. I ask this in Christ's name and for his sake, amen. 

AMITY GARWOOD: St Paul says in First Timothy 2:1-4; “First of all, then I urge that supplications prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good and it is acceptable in the sight of God, our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

DUNCAN HOMES/TIM ROTH: Almighty God who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people, the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues. And endue with the Spirit of wisdom, those to whom, in thy name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness. And in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail. All which we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen.

ASHLYN HALL: Titus 3:1-2 says, “remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

ANNIKA NEGRON: A prayer from Psalm 29 for our nation: “May the Lord give strength to His people. May the Lord bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

JON BERG: Lord, we thank You that, though we suffer and live with uncertainty, we know we are yours. We know the plans You have for us, plans for good. Thank You that our future and our present is secure with You. Thank you for the Holy challenges we face daily as we seek to live as your children. Help us, Father, we know you will when we forget and fall into despair, anger and apathy, we are yours and You are ours. Let us shine this light and truth daily in your world. Amen.

JAMIE PITTMAN: Second Timothy 2:23-24: “Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because, you know, they will produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone able to teach not resentful.”

KERRY BOOTSMA: Providentially we are studying Daniel two this week, which says in verse 20…

AMANDA CRANDALL: …Praise be to the name of God. Forever and ever. Wisdom and power are his…

MIKE STAHL: …It is he who changes the times and the epochs…

KERRY BOOTSMA: …He removeth kings and setteth up kings…

KIT EMIL: …He gives wisdom to the wise…

AMANDA CRANDALL: …and knowledge to the discerning.

MIKE STAHL: Father, we thank You that You reign, and we thank You for this truth that You are in control. Help us to ground our hope in You and in your Son, Jesus Christ, and not in the results of this election. Amen.

INGRID ADDISON: This is a reading from Isaiah 9:6-7: “For to us, a child is born. To us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness. From that time on and forever, the zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”

DAN WYCKOFF: Father, You are kind to remind us that rain falls to the right and to the left, and that the sun shines on both sides of every aisle. I am hopeful Lord Jesus of how you are working in the world. Thank you that even though we would not have chosen you as our King, you have chosen us as your people. Thank you for ruling us wisely, kindly and patiently. Please teach us to better reflect your character, starting with me and starting today in Jesus name, Amen.

DANIEL DILLARD: The position of King of the Universe is not up for a vote. Psalm 47:7-8 says :“God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with the Psalm. God reigns over the nations. God sits on His holy throne." Even though this is an important election, we have no need to fret or stew no matter the results, God is in control.

KAREN: Oh Father, give your people wisdom. Give us discernment as we go and vote. May we be led, Father by your word. But rest assured that no matter the outcome of this election, Christ, the King of kings, reigns supreme. He is on the throne. May your people in this nation and throughout the world have humbled hearts, hearts guarded by your peace, knowing that we can trust that your plans are good and will be fulfilled. For yours is the kingdom and the glory and the power, amen.

PAUL BARTMAN: Blessed are You, O LORD, our God, King of the universe, for out of your immense love, You have sent your one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to inaugurate your eternal Kingdom, who has taught us to pray: Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Come Holy Spirit and teach us to properly order our loves, that our love of your Majesty comes before our love of country and our countrymen. Amen.

ELIZABETH: I want to read and encourage us all with Isaiah 25:8-9: “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces. He will remove his people's disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day, they will say, ‘Surely, this is our God. We trusted in Him, and He saved us. This is the Lord we trusted in him. Let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’”

CARRIE GRAY: O Christ, who is our rest. This tension of body and racing of mind and clamoring of heart...afford us no peace. I pray that blessed calm will descend. I pray that peace will rest upon us now. O Lord, be this day our rest and on the morrow our strength. Amen.

PATTIE CORDELL: A scripture reading from Psalm 91:1-2. “Live under the protection of God and stay in the shadow of God all powerful, then you will say to the LORD, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety. You are my God, and I trust You.’”

CHRISTINA HUSSEY: Lord, we pray that You would just continue to keep our hearts full and encouraged. That we would spend time with You and rejoice in You always. That our reasonableness would be known to everyone due to the time that we spend regularly with You. We know, Father, that You are at hand and that we should not be anxious about anything, but we should bring everything to You, Father, in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, despite our circumstances. We should let our requests be made known to You. And that your peace, Father, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Jesus Christ.

JEB RICE: Daniel 7:13-14: "And behold, with the clouds of heaven, there came one, like a son of man, and He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples, nations and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom one shall not be destroyed.

ADAM BRUYERE: For any of us who may be tempted to cast our eyes toward Pennsylvania Avenue, whether it be with desperate devotion or fearful derision, hear now from God's Holy Word, Psalm 146: “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord, his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.” Amen.

BRAD SHEDD: Lord God, as many are desiring a profound change in the political landscape of our land, we ask for a profound change in the spiritual landscape of our land. We ask that you would come and intervene and move on people's hearts, in people's homes and in people's churches. Lord may we truly come together to see You do a revival in our land, where our hearts cry out to You to come and move we ask it in Jesus's name, amen.

CARLOS WHITFIELD: Lord, we pray desperately that You would bring about, as You have in the past, a great awakening among the people of America. Enliven and awaken people to the reality, the beauty, the appeal, and the eternal blessing of the gospel. And cause them to respond to the Gospel Lord, even as we speak it through our own lips, and demonstrate it through our own lives. And we pray that more people, Lord, than ever before will be opened, will be awakened, will be enlivened by the proclamation of the gospel, and respond, Lord, with saving faith. This is a desperate desire we have. And we lift it up to You, Father in Christ's name.

JESSICA ABELLADA: Heavenly Father, we as your people, confess that in so many ways, our nation has not loved and served and feared and obeyed You as it ought, Lord. So we pray that You would raise up godly men and women as leaders of our nation. But even more so Lord, that You would turn the hearts of the people of this land towards You, that they would confess their sin and turn and trust in You as their only hope for salvation. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

SHERRY GRAF: Hosea 10:12, “sow for yourselves righteousness, reap steadfast love. Break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord that He may come and reign righteousness upon you.”

SOPHIA ELLIOT: Father, thank You for our country. Thank You for all of the blessings that You have poured upon us. Father, I grieve at the wickedness and the turning our back on You in so many ways. Lord, there are so many people who hate You. So many people have turned away from your word and your truth. Please would You cause a revival in our country, not because of a leader that is brought into office, but because people are brought to their knees before You, and they see the truth of your word how they need You, and they need to be reconciled with You. I love you, Father, and ask these things in the name of your Son. Amen.

NATHAN FAHLIN: This is from Numbers 6:24-26: "The LORD bless you and keep you, the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the LORD turn His face toward you, and give you peace."

KIM TURKINGTON: Father God, for those of us who fear You, who walk with You and who love You, Lord, that You are our hope, that we wait in hope for You, because You are our help and our shield. And so Lord, we just offer You our praise and our worship. And through this time of uncertainty in our land, Lord, we know that we can be secure and we can rest in You, because You never change. You're the same yesterday, today and forever, and we trust You Lord, and we just rest in who You are, and we praise You. In Jesus's name we pray, amen.

JUDY STEPHAN: Dearest Lord, what we see with our eyes in our country and in this world deceives us, but what we hear from You Jesus, sets us free to hope and trust in You for our nation and our world's future. Amen.

RYAN JOHNSON: Romans 11:33-36 says: “Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways.” Father, we praise You today for your omniscience that You know, everything that will happen, everything that should happen and everything that could happen. And I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ that we would be revived to the fortress. That is your omniscience for us in this season. I pray in Jesus's name, amen.

RYAN ROPER: Psalm 37:1-5. “Fret not yourself because of evildoers. Be not envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD and do good. Dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust in Him and He will act.”

MOLIE BRUNO: Lord Jesus we trust that you're coming. We trust You keep all your promises with all your peoples. And we pray that as you show yourself and reveal yourself to us in this day at this time, You would do your best will through this election, that your people would turn to You, that would give us the grace to continually have repentant and humble hearts. And we pray for a transformation through good changes that all our people will be as You long for us to be. And how much more will our hearts long for You as we turn in the way that You desire. In Jesus’s name, amen.

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