One Voice for Public Policy - Pray Without Ceasing

As we arrive at the end of a very long and stressful election campaign and cycle we must remember that one of our primary responsibilities as Christians is to pray. Pray for our nation, pray for our leaders, and pray for God's will to be done in our election. To that end, here are offered prayers that could be used corporately in your churches for Sunday worship or privately in your own devotional time. It is also worth noting that with the outcome of the election potentially unclear for several days or that election related issues and rhetoric could persist into the new year that these same prayers could be prayed regularly on Sundays and privately until we have a newly inaugurated president at which point our prayers should shift to praying for the health and wisdom of our new president. 

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

The following prayers are found in our Lutheran Service Altar Book:

Good Government
Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (223)

For the Nation
Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (224)

Responsible Citizenship
Lord, keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (225) 

For Responsible Leaders
O merciful Father in heaven, from You comes all rule and authority over the nations of the world for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do well. Graciously regard Your servants, those who make, administer, and judge the laws of this nation, and look in mercy upon all the rulers of the earth. Grant that all who receive the sword as Your servants may bear it according to Your command. Enlighten and defend them, and grant them wisdom and understanding that under their peaceable governance Your people may be guarded and directed in righteousness, quietness, and unity. Protect and prolong their lives that we with them may show forth the praise of Your name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (226)

Collect for Peace
O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (410)

Here are two other prayers that may be useful to you:

Lord God, we pray for all who are in authority and we thank You especially for the form of government given us in our beloved country. Give us grace with our fellow citizens to value the newly elected President and various elected representatives of our government as those sent by You. Instill in us the respect and honor that is due them. Endow them with wisdom for their manifold duties, with a spirit of sacrifice for the common welfare, with mercy and justice, with uprightness and kindliness. Correct the evils of selfishness and vain desire for honor, or abuse of power among us as well as in the other governments of the world. Grant that the true purposes of government may prevail, namely safeguarding peace and prosperity, so that we may live soberly and upright in Your sight and have opportunity to tell of You and Your kingdom. These and whatever else we need we ask of you as our Father and Lord. Amen. (The Lutheran Book of Prayer, page 177, modified slightly)

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, through Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, You have made us citizens of the new heavens and earth, heirs of Your everlasting reign over creation, and treasured members of Your own household. You have also given us life in this physical land as a token of Your abundant grace. And You have instituted governing authorities as Your ministers, to secure our welfare and mediate Your temporal blessings. As we take part in elections this day, motivate us with faith in Your providence and love for our neighbors. Guide our minds to cast votes for those candidates who will best lead us in establishing and preserving safety, fairness, and freedom for all who reside here, especially the most vulnerable among us. Fill us with Your own charity to treat each other with respect despite our disagreements about what and whom most effectively serves the common good. Grant our nation Your peace and protection from all that would divide and destroy her both from without and from within, and strengthen us to put our ultimate trust not in princes but in Your forgiveness and resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Lutherans for Life Prayer for Election Day)

In Christ,

Rev. Scot Missling
Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church - St. Paul, MN
MN South Public Policy Advocate, LCMS
pastorstpaullcms@gmail.com
651-776-4737