Election Day 2008- Readers Pray and React

So it’s finally arrived.  Whether you’re reading this as people are voting on Tuesday or reflecting on the results Wednesday, the presidential election has finally come.  There was so much anticipation, so much wrangling, it’s hard to believe that we’ve come to the end, or the beginning, depending on how you want to look at things.

So I’m not going to say too much.  I would like to post a couple of prayers I found on the web.  Last Wednesday, our church came together to pray for the election, the outcome, those voting, and for the candidates elected.  It really set the tone for me.  Whether you’re elated or disappointed, know that God is working through those in our government.  Remember, he is Lord of the Church, but he is also Lord of all.  So let’s pray together (go ahead, actually pray right now)

O Lord, bring righteous people who fear You to lead our nation into the future. Establish godly leaders who glorify You as they lead, and let their tenure be as welcome as the light of morning at sunrise and like the brightness after rain that brings green grass to the earth. –II Samuel 23:3-4 (The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.’)

Lord God, during election time it is easy to get wrapped up in the negative, in fault-finding, criticism and contentiousness. Cause our hearts to be sweet and pure, obediently acting as You want Your children to act, so no one can find fault. In this way, we can shine for you in our darkened world. –Philippians 2:14-15 (Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.)

Having prayed these words, I’d love to hear reactions.  How will you move forward after this election?  What are you going to do to as a Christian who also has a vocation that means involvement in the civic/governmental realm?  What are you looking forward to now that the election is over?  Any other comments?

Tags: election 2008