Prayerfully Voting In An Election

It's Election Day in Canada on Monday, October 19.  We've had the longest campaign in many decades, heard lots of sound clips and watched debates, political ads, and panels as they discussed the platforms of the various parties and the statements of the leaders.  Now it's time for each of us to prayerfully choose the representative we believe will best help our nation reflect God's heart for Canada.  God has a plan and a purpose for our country, for each party leader, and for each person representing an electoral area.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.  This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT)

God has blessed us with a land that is full of natural resources and a wonderful mix of cultures and peoples.  We've had more peace for decades than many countries of the world.  We've been free to gather and worship, to own and read a Bible, to talk freely about matters of faith.  I'm grateful to live in a land that was founded on the desire that God's authority would be reflected across the land.  Check out our coat of arms and the quote from the Bible found there, He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Psalm 72:18 NKJV) Our national anthem prays to God that our land would be kept in His care and protected by His hand. "God keep our land, glorious and free.  O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."

As this Election Day approaches, it’s time to consider God's plan for Canada and to prioritize God's will for our nation and to elect leaders who will further God's purposes.  We can rest in the truth that God is sovereign over all regardless of who is elected.   However, history demonstrates that God blesses countries, families and individuals who honour Him. 

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.  (Romans 13:1; Psalm 33:12 NIV)

Let's pray during this weekend that the people of Canada will cast votes with God's agenda in mind. Let's also pray for each of the electoral candidates in our jurisdiction.  When new leaders are elected, let's pray for divine wisdom and guidance for each of them regardless of their party affiliation.

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