Day 1 | Election Prayers
Prayer for Love
“Lord, grant me love for those with whom I disagree.”
Religion and politics—the two most polarizing topics in all of human society. This year we're sure to interact with people from “the other side.” Their viewpoints on their favorite candidate will rub us the wrong way, get under our skin, put a rock in our shoe, and probably a dozen other cliches. We’ll bug our eyes in befuddlement at how they could so blindly follow a particular person or agenda. We’ll be tempted to argue our side and tally points to prove ourselves the winner. But will we love those who check an entirely different set of boxes in November?
PRAYER
Father, I believe that I am right and that the candidate I support is the best person for the job. I confess that I am often tempted to think less of those who disagree with me. I want to cut them down, insult their intelligence, and denigrate their way of thinking. But that’s not love. You sent Your Son to die while I was still your enemy, raging against You at every turn. Yet, You pursued me in love. May I do the same for my friends, family, and neighbors on the other side of the aisle. Help me to demonstrate kindness, humility, patience, and gentleness with them. Give me ears to hear their opinions and grace to lovingly respond with my own views. Help me to remember that a person's eternal destination is not decided by that box they check on election day, but by how they respond to Your Son. May His love pour out of me this election year regardless of the outcome of any vote. Give me love as steadfast and faithful as Yours. Amen.
BIBLE VERSES:
1 Peter 4:8—“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Matthew 22:39—“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Take a moment and answer the following reflection questions in your journal or in the comments below.
How can I practice love towards those I disagree with?
Are there specific individuals I need to reach out to?
Do you know someone who would like to participate in the 4-Days of Prayer This Election? Share this with them using the button below!
Disagreement doesn't mean a lack of love. We disagree with our spouses and other family members as well. When things are so polarized as in these current times we must remember that we are all God's children and he loves us even as we disagree with each other. A genuine "I love you" said in tense moments can change attitudes from bitterness to calm and peace. Jesus has already set the example! We need only follow him.
Thank you…. I appreciate the reminder that love is our calling. I think being curious about another persons point of view is helpful.