Protecting and securing the democratic process of elections is key to the success of our nation.
PRAY FIRST for integrity in America’s elections.
Do you believe that there is an unprecedented level of threats coming against America’s system of elections? Do you agree that there are forces of darkness engaged in seeking the destruction of good?
Do you believe the Holy Spirit of God could move the nation’s attitudes and redirect its culture? Do you believe your prayers could join with those of others to “avail much” and make a difference?
The research company, Gallup, in a poll conducted just ahead of the midterm elections, revealed that confidence in America’s elections has declined since 2006, but a majority still felt confident that their votes mattered. As with many issues involving politics, there was a divide between Democrats and Republicans, 85% to 40%, respectively, with confidence markedly up in the first group and just as significantly down in the other.
Freedom House says, “There is more to democracy than free and fair elections, but there can be no democracy without them. Constant vigilance is required to protect this foundational component of political freedom from threats arrayed against it, which range from old-fashioned fraud on election day to media manipulation and regulatory obstacles during the campaign period.”
The threat of the weaponization of the federal government, particularly when used against political foes, is so severe that the House of Representatives established a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. The weaponization of the system is but one part of the spiritual battle for integrity in the nation’s elections, but it is one of high importance. When integrity is lacking, dishonesty, exaggeration, secrecy, and manipulation take its place.
A commissioner with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) has alleged that the commission itself has been “weaponized”.
“The problem is stark,” Commissioner James “Trey” Trainor, told a house committee. “It’s the growing weaponization of the government to harass and hinder the political participation of our citizenry in the democratic process. The Federal Election Commission has become a weapon,” he said.
Trainor, who is one of five members of the FEC, did not cite present legal cases, but he did say, “Make no mistake, the current headlines about the criminal prosecution of political actors reflects a trend that is going to continue for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, the commission has become part of that problem.”
In a recent speech before students at Regent University, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Ben Carson, said, “Election integrity, in my opinion, is one of the most important issues facing America today. And it’s important that we get it right. … It’s valid and well within our rights as voters to make sure that the systems we have in place are sound, and we should hold our leaders accountable to ensure that our elections are fair and secure. … It’s something that all of us benefit from.”
Dr. David Jeremiah wrote, “Even when politics defy our comprehension, God is never surprised or frustrated or baffled by the events of the day. Our attitude as citizens ought to be to work diligently to elect the best people possible to office by studying their beliefs, thoughts and motives to make the decision. Then when we cast our vote, we bow our head before Almighty God and say, ‘Thy will be done’ because He is in charge.”
HOW THEN SHOULD WE PRAY:
— Pray that Christians would be people of integrity themselves, in their worldviews, in their politics, and in their voting. Proverbs 11:3 says, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.”
— Give thanks that God is still sovereign, and forever faithful to His plans. Psalm 33:10-12 reminds you, “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the people. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”
CONSIDER THESE ITEMS FOR PRAYER:
- Pray with thanksgiving that the Lord allows you to be a part of what He is doing in history and eternity.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you to keep your walk upright and righteous on the path He has prepared for you.
- Pray with thanksgiving that God has allowed you to be part of a free nation, and for His guidance as you approach every election.
- Pray that the matter of integrity would be uppermost for every candidate and every campaign.
- Pray that those whose ways lack integrity will be found out (Proverbs 10:9).
- Pray for voters to have discernment to know when they are being lied to or manipulated.
Sources: Regent University, Gallup, DavidJeremiah.org, Washington Examiner, Reuters, Business Insider, House.gov
