We are literally seven days away from the 2020 presidential, gubernatorial, and local elections. Elections trace the way our nation will go in the next few years. They also could have lasting effect in our communities. So what’s the best thing we can do? Pray!

This is high time for us to practice 1 Timothy 2:1–4:

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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Here’s a list of 15 things you and I can pray for:

1. Pray for the health, safety, and family of our current and our next president.
2. Pray for the health, safety, and family of your current and future governors.
3. Pray for the health, safety, and family of your current and future mayors, house representatives, local and judicial nominees.
4. Pray for the salvation of all our elected and soon to be elected officials who do not yet know Christ.
5. Pray against the forces of darkness, principalities, powers, and rulers who are controlled by the devil working to prevent the gospel message from spreading.
6. Pray for justice and equity in our nation.
7. Pray for the government to find a solution for the Covid crisis. For a vaccine to be developed and safely delivered to those who need it.
8. Pray for wisdom for local governments about decisions involving the family. Marriages are struggling, suicides numbers are increasing, and children are depressed from having to study at home.
9. Wisdom for government officials about safely opening up our local schools, sooner rather than later.
10. Pray for our Supreme Court and the decisions they are making and will soon make, which will impact our society for generations to come
11. Pray for the church to remain united, gospel-centered, attentive to the needs of others, being led by the Holy Spirit to compel others to join the kingdom of God.
12. Pray that as Christians, we will learn to submit to government authorities, but most especially to Jesus who is our ultimate ruler.
13. Pray that the Lord would protect the 2020 elections both nationally and locally from dishonesty and fraud.
14. Pray for leaders who will rule in favor of peace, not of war. That they will have wisdom to use the force of government for peace, not special interest or in the manner of corruption.
15. Pray for policies that uphold the sanctity human life, the sacredness of marriage, religious freedom, and other moral values based on Biblical principles.

Paul prayed and desired for his co-patriots to be saved, “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). Above all let us pray for the salvation of every elected and appointed official in America!

Written by Daniel Messina