We must faithfully pray for the 2012 elections, but do not let our hope and trust come from the result of any elections. Our only hope is in the reality of who God is. Not who we think He is. Do not let this fire die after the election. seek God daily as the saints of Old did, for yourselves, your families, your churches and your Nation.
Our Nation is desperately in need of spiritual and moral revival. And the issues facing this nation will not be resolved in the White House, Congress, or the Supreme Court. The United States is desperately in needs of another Great Awakening! This needs to start right where we are today, in our hearts, homes, Churches and work it’s way out.
If we fail to trust in the power of Jesus Christ in our lives, then how can we encourage those around us, with hope we do not have, or faith we do not exercise? Only a spiritual awakening within the people of God has the power to bring about this cultural transformation in our Nation.
There are a number of compelling reasons why we as Christians should pray for America and the elections:
The Bible commands us to pray for those who are in leadership. This includes those who are running to become our leaders.
Proverbs. 14:34. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any
people”
When we elect leaders, we are also bringing into play those will influence them, advice them and help shape our Nation, that includes their past advisors also.
Proverbs 11:14, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors make victory sure.”
Godly leaders will help slow the erasure of our religious liberties. This provides a window of opportunity for us to pray and evangelize. Pray for Restoration, Humility, Repentance, Mercy and healing 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 12 Then the LORD appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, 14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Pray for Awakening ,Renewal, Empowerment, Joy & Hope Ephesians 5:13-20 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
Pray for Perseverance, Wisdom, Godly Strength, Protection, Truth & Preparedness , Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual {forces} of wickedness in the heavenly {places.} 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil {one.} 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.
7 Ways to Pray For America Originally presented by Dave Butts, Chairman for America’s National Prayer Committee.
Adopted & edited in part by Brian Kinnett The original order of this prayer guide by Dave Butts has been reorganized to share with each of you today. Everything in this color is thier words.1. The Purposes of GodUltimately, whatever the area of prayer emphasis, we must always come back to the purposes of God. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:10). We can pray confidently in the will of God along with Scripture that teaches us that ultimately all things in heaven and earth will be summed up in Jesus Christ when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father (Eph. 1:8b-10 & 1 Corinthians. 15: 24-28). As we pray for something as important as national elections, we must lay down our own desires and take up the desires of God. What we really desire is for the Lord’s purposes to be achieved in and through our nation. All of our requests must be couched in words and thoughts that focus our hearts on the Kingdom of God.
Pray today for the purposes of God to be accomplished in the U.S. elections:
Pray that Christians will turn and seek first the Kingdom of God and be a guiding light to
the people of the U.S. who do not know Christ.
Pray that God will be honored in the midst of this election campaign.
Pray for opportunities for Christians to share their faith and their values in the midst of
this election process.
Pray that the results of the 2012 elections will please the Lord and bring His blessing over the Church and to this nation.
2. The ChurchThe Church is often relegated to the sidelines by the world and considered irrelevant and out of touch. Though we sometimes deserve that critique, God has a completely different perspective on what His people are to be and how we are to function. In Ephesians 3:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “His [God’s] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known….”
Though seemingly powerless in the eyes of the world, the Church—through righteousness, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit—the wisdom of God is manifested through His revelation of power into any and every culture.
Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.Pray today for the Church in America, that:
Our eyes will be opened to see the hope to which we are called (Eph.1:18).
We will experience in a fresh, new way the Presence of Christ in revival.
Believers will be given the faith to believe that their votes will make a difference.
A spirit of repentance and humility will be poured out upon the people of God.
3. The Voters The Great American Experiment in representative government for more than 200 years has depended upon voter involvement. From the very beginning of our nation there has been debate on who should be allowed the privilege of casting a vote to select our governmental leaders. The weight of history has increasingly opened the ballot box to more and more individuals.
This requires an educated electorate who will examine the issues and the candidates and vote in a way that is best for the nation, not just their own well-being. Much prayer is needed for this critical process.
Pray today for voters in the United States, that: Wisdom will be sought from God (James 1:5).
Self-interest will be laid aside for the common good.
Discernment between truth and falsehood will be clear. 4. The CandidatesIn the early years of our nation, it was thought to be in bad taste to even be seen wanting an office, much less actually campaigning. Oh, how things have changed! Now candidates for public office, especially at higher levels, put themselves and their families through a rigorous process that brings every aspect of their lives into public view. It has become so intense that many good individuals have chosen not to endure the sort of public scrutiny that is an integral part of the campaigning process today Praying for candidates does not mean praying just for those you agree with or support.
All are leaders and potential leaders in our nation—and as such, all need our prayers.
Pray today for candidates for office in the United States, that:
They will take brave stands for righteousness, even when it may not be well received.
Their families will be protected from harm and unnecessary scrutiny.
They will surround themselves with godly advisors.
They will focus on the issues we face as a nation and not on personal attacks on other
candidates
..
1st Timothy 2:1-4 1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties {and} prayers, petitions {and} thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Exodus 18:21 “But select capable men from all the people –men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain –and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and
tens.”
I Kings 3:28 “When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.”
Proverbs 1:5: “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,”
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory”. 5. The MediaIn our day of 24-hour news coverage, the media have taken on a huge role in our election process. Handling media correctly sometimes seems to take precedence in a campaign over actually dealing with issues. The media themselves often forget their role of informing and reporting and have become endorsers and supporters, even while they try to deny that role.
Increased prayer for the media is an essential way for Christians to impact an election.
Pray today for the media in America, that: • Truth in reporting and election coverage will become a high value.
Media bias will disappear.
Christianity will receive fair coverage in all reports.
Hope will become a part of the message of the media.
The following verses of Scripture deal with the deception of false pretence and draws contrasts between the ways of the wicked and the consequences of their sin and the ways of the righteous who are blessed of God. Telling and reporting the truth of a matter is important to God and we who call upon Him need to be people living out the truth ourselves. Our dependence on the media to inform us is therefore of critical importance and necessary requiring our prayers so that we will not be led astray but judge rightly and accurately.
Proverbs 12:9-22 “9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food. 10A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. 11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. 12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes. 13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. 14 From the fruit of his lips a man if filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. 15 The way of a fools seems right to him, but a wise
man listens to advice. 16A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 17A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. 18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. 20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. 21 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. 22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Matthew 12:36-37 “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your
words you will be condemned.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –think about such things.”6. The Impact on the NationsIn our rapidly shrinking world, what happens in one country has an effect on others. This is especially true for the United States. The individuals who hold the presidency and Senate and Congressional seats will make decisions that impact the rest of the world.
Whether those decisions help or harm the people of the world is largely determined by the choices that Americans make at the polls. We need to pray that our choices will serve to bless the world.
Pray today for the election and its impact on the world, that:
Voters will consider the foreign policies of candidates and how they fit with biblical
principles.
The activities of other nations will not have an undue influence on our elections.
The result of U.S. elections will serve to spread the gospel around the globe.
The U.S. will stand firm in its commitment to Israel’s right to exist as a nation.
Ps 33:12-22 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. 13 The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; 14 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works. 16 The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a false hope for victory; nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His loving kindness, 19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. 22 Let Thy loving kindness, O LORD, be upon us, according as we have hoped in Thee.
Hebrews 12: 23-29 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Proverbs 11:3 “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their
duplicity.”
Ephesians 1:18 “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the
confident hope he has given to those he called –His holy people who are his rich and
glorious inheritance.”7. Spiritual Warfare Surrounding the ElectionsNothing is achieved in the Kingdom of God without warfare. That includes the election of
righteous individuals to the leadership of one of the key nations on the planet. As we pray, we must expect the enemy to attack in many ways. There will be attacks on candidates and their families, on the media, the Church, and perhaps the nation itself. Some will be clearly spiritual, while other attacks may have physical manifestations. Our call is to have great discernment as we pray and stand in the strength of Christ’s victory.
Pray today around the spiritual warfare issues involved in the election, such as:
Great awareness and discernment for the Lord’s praying people as they pray over the
election.
Physical, emotional and spiritual protection for all candidates and their families
throughout this campaign season.
A strong hedge of protection around the nation itself during this time of decision.
The unleashing of the sword of the Spirit throughout the nation, judging the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).
Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
John 17: 13-19: 13 But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.
2 Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,
Job 1:10 Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Hebrews 4: 12-13: 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your
protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”Ps 34:1-22 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soulshall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together .4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! 9 O fear the LORD, you His saints; for to those who fear Him, there is no want. 10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD .12 Who is the man who desires life, and loves {length of} days that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit .14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and His ears are {open} to their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 17 {The righteous} cry and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the LORD delivers him out of them all 20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants; and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Revival starts in each one of us, we are to be watchmen on the wall, and warn everyone about the coming terrors of those who reject Jesus Christ, and eternal damnation that will follow. We are nothing more than pilgrims in desert, our job is not convert, persuade or manipulate anyone into Christianity.
We must be obedient to God and not worry about what others say or do, we will answer to God for how we live, what we say and what we do. That is why Paul warns us to all we do as unto the Lord. Pray like you have never have prayed before, and never cease.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Rom 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8- For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 11 - For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 12- So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
In Christ
brian
