Why pray for the Election?

So, it is finally here...well, almost. It is Monday night, November 3, 2008. Tomorrow we, as Americans, get to exercise one of our greatest liberties and responsibilities. We get to vote. And what an important vote it is. Now I could get into all of the reasons why it is an important vote, however, I would rather spend a quick moment discussing why it is vital that we not overlook praying for the election.

The scriptures teach that God is the one who appoints kings and rulers to there proper places. We see this in 1 Samuel 8 and 9 when Israel is demanding a king to rule over them like the other nations. Up to this point they had Judges but God was to be their king. Israel though, seeing the nations around them ruled by a human king, began demanding of Samuel that he annoint a king of Israel. So, after warning them of how a king will treat them and the Israelites still demanding a king, God allowed them to have what they thought they wanted. God told Samuel to annoint Saul king. Not long after in 1 Samuel 13 God is angered by Saul's lack luster performance as king and lack of faith in battle. He then prophesies through Samuel that Saul will be removed as king and God will insert a king after his own heart. That king was David. This is just one example of how God puts rulers and kings in their place for a reason and purpose.

So that begs the question...why even pray about this matter? What good would it do to pray if God is the one who appoints rulers; good and bad? Well, scripture also teaches that God is moved by our prayers! That is astounding to me, really! As I was considering this truth earlier today I was trying to think of different places in God's Word where we see Him change plans (so to speak) and be moved by the prayers of humble servants. Sure enough, God brought an example in my daily bible reading this very night! Isn't God awesome?!! I have been reading through Isaiah and just so happened to come to chapter 38. Check this out:

In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the
prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Set
your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover." 2Then Hezekiah
turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, 3and said, "Please, O LORD,
remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart,
and have done what is good in your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: 5"Go and say to Hezekiah,
Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I
have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. 6I will
deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and will
defend this city. Isaiah 38:1-6

Wow! Now I think that is pretty cool. I mean we have Isaiah roll up on the scene and essentially tell Hezekiah that he needs to get things ready to continue without him because he is going downhill quick and will not live. I love how Hezekiah responds. He prays earnestly. He pleads with His maker. He throws himself on the mercy seat of God. And what happens? God hears his prayers, sees his tears, and God's heart is moved. That is amazing!! God loves us and does hear our prayers. And sometimes, God even is moved! There are many more examples in scripture but I wanted to bring this out tonight.

So, the challenge to all of us is this: during election day pray continually for our nation and that the officials that are elected all over our great nation from President to local mayor would be people that love God, fear the Lord and seek Him with all of their heart! You never know what might happen in the election then! Forget what the media says about who is supposed to win because our God reigns!! Then, trust Him that regardless of the outcome He is sovereign over all things and has our joy and best interest at heart!!

For His Name!

Nathan