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. ³ 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.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV

You’ve probably noticed by now that there is an election coming up. Signs in yards. Commercials everywhere. And you can’t open social media without a reminder to register. Mail-in ballots are all the rage this time, so many people have already voted! Still, it’s a great reminder that we are blessed to live in a nation that allows participatory government. As citizens of the United States, we have obligation to vote. As citizens of heaven, however, we have an obligation to pray. So, this week at the BSU we did just that. We prayed for our nation. And in the weeks ahead we will dedicate a few minutes each Tuesday to continuing those prayers. Want to participate yourself? Here’s a list of what we prayed for…

• Pray for the Supreme Court, each member by name and the vacant seat.
• Pray for the President, First Lady, their family and staff.
• Pray for the Senate, their family and staff. Take a minute to find who specifically represents your state and pray for them by name.
• Pray for the House of Representative, their family and staff. Take a minute to find out who represents the district in which you live and lift them up by name.
• Pray for the military, all six branches. (Yes, it’s six now–welcome to the team, Space Force.)
• Pray for civil service heroes–EMTs, Firemen and Law Enforcement Officers.
• Pray for teachers. Lift up any you know by name.
• Pray for the various political parties.
• Pray for politically homeless Christians.
• Pray for the election process itself and the aftermath.

We’ll cover more ground in the weeks ahead, but as you pray keep in mind that our goal as followers of Jesus is not to win elections, but to be disciples who make disciples. Pray that in this process and these people, unity, peace, justice and compassion would reign, and that the gospel would go forward. May the people of God make the spirit of God evident to a lost and dying world!