Prayers For An Election Day

Those who are standing for election tell us why we should vote for them.

Those who are standing against them tell us why we should not vote for them!

The party representatives tell us the same things.

Family and friends give us their opinions.

We give our opinions.

From the clamour of voices we have to find a foundation for our choice.

 PERSONAL ABILITIES

 1.  Pray for a candidate who is an able man or woman, who fears God; who is truthful; who is not covetous.

Exodus 18:21 (a) -"Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness;”

 2.   Pray for someone who has leadership ability appropriate for the task

Exodus 18:21 (b) - “and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”

  PERSONAL QUALITIES

 1.   Pray for someone who cares for the people 

     2 Samuel 5:2 - "Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you (David) were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the Lord said to you, `You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.' ''

 2.   Pray for someone who desires wisdom and is prudent; seeks knowledge and is discreet; who fears God, hates evil, pride and arrogance; and who is not perverse. 

     Proverbs 8:12 & 13 - "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of  the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”

 3.   Pray for someone who seeks counsel and wisdom; who has understanding and strength of character. Proverbs 8:14 & 15 - Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.

 Note the alternative!

Proverbs 28:15 & 16 (a) - Like a roaring lion and a charging bear is a wicked ruler over poor people. A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor.

THE CHOICE SHOULD NOT BE MADE ON AN EMOTIONAL BASIS.

      Moses made his choice based on ability and suitability

            Exodus 18:25-  And Moses chose able men out of all Israel,

 MAKING A CHOICE IS A PRIVILEGE AS WELL AS A RESPONSIBILITY.

Joshua spoke to the children of Israel these well recognised words - ‘Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.’  The situation then was different from today’s situation, but the principle is the same.  We have a choice to make.   As much as possible let us choose people with godly and honourable principles.

As for our vote – here is a question to consider.  If we don’t use our vote, do we have a right to comment on the result?  One day we will be called upon to give an account for what we have done or have not done!. Luke 16:3 So he called him and said to him, “What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship.”   (Emphasis is personal.)

PRAYERFUL ACTION

Arise, for this matter is your responsibility …..be of good courage and do it.’  Ezra 10:4