The Morning After the Vote

In Tuesday's midterm elections, Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate, according to an NPR analysis of race calls by The Associated Press. When the new Congress is sworn in this January, Washington enters a new season of divided government. NPR reports the campaign was shaped by Americans' frustrations with the high cost of living and concerns about corruption (NPR).

Some of us woke up this morning relieved. Some of us woke up worried. Most of us share a pew, a dinner table, or a group chat with someone who feels the opposite way.

Scripture doesn't ask us to pray only for the leaders we voted for. Paul wrote to Timothy under Roman rulers who were hostile to the church, and still he said: pray for all of them. Prayer for those in authority isn't an endorsement. It's an act of trust that God is still King, no matter who holds the gavel. And when we pray for leaders by name, it gets a lot harder to treat the neighbor who voted differently as an enemy.

Lord, you are sovereign over every nation and every election. Give wisdom, humility, and integrity to the president and to every leader newly chosen or returning to office. Help them care for families struggling to make ends meet. Where we are anxious, give us peace; where we are proud, make us gentle. Heal what divides us, and let your church be known for love before it is known for sides. Amen.

One thing to do: Write down the names of your president, your two senators, your representative, and your governor, and pray for each of them by name this week. Then reach out to one friend who sees things differently than you do, simply to remind them you care.

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)

Source: NPR