Election season is here again. As if the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t brought enough stress, we have a contentious election that promises to be another rainstorm of anxiety.

Did I mention that a Supreme Court nomination process is also underway?

I’ve heard from a good number of readers who tell me that they’ve completely shut down their social media feeds before the election. Others are disgusted by how the two political parties have behaved. Still others engage in vote-shaming, trying desperately to convince “the other side” that they are wrong.

How might prayer be useful leading up to the November election?

I suggest that we increase our daily time of prayer prior to November 3. Less noise from social media, more time alone with the Lord. If you have a hobby, ramp that up as well. Ditto for exercise.

What follow are three specific ways that you can be prayerful prior to The Big Day:

Pray for the candidates. Whether you like President Trump or despise the man, Scripture invites us to pray for our leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) We ought to pray for Mr. Biden as well. Pray for those that advise both men, for wisdom, honesty and humility.
Pray for Church leaders and those with public platforms to have honest views and humble attitudes. Pray for your pastors. Pray for those who are influencers. Pray for an end to “vote shaming”. Pray for humility from the pulpit. One of my greatest pet peeves is when folks are dishonest regarding politicians. Both Trump and Biden have obvious, nearly disqualifying flaws. Their parties are corrupt and they lie often. Can we be honest about that regarding both men?
Pray for the nation in the days after the election. My only worry is that whomever wins will contest the election and contribute to even greater rancor in the days after the election. One of the things that makes America so great is a typically civil and peaceful transition of power. To see that questioned would be a stain on our democratic process.

The good news

God has the final word, no matter what happens on November 3. Things may seem grim. Democracy may appear fragile. People will disagree. Through it all, take heart because as Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”