If you knew you had more control over the outcome of the Presidential election, would you exercise it? As I watched the Republican debate on August 5th, I knew immediately the candidates I did not want as President! I also observed Christian candidates on the platform who could lead our country. They would need God’s help to make it to the final ticket, however. Watching the debate caused me to reflect on the 2012 Presidential election, when I waited for the final nominees before realizing I had better pray! I didn’t start praying early enough, nor did I pray boldly enough.

If you’re a Christian, I have a call to action

that allows you to influence the outcome in the next election.

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I believe the Lord wants candidates who have a heart after His. He wants leaders who have the humility to come before Him to seek His wisdom in all matters. God has given us a golden opportunity to pray fervently for the next twelve months to effect who becomes the nominee for each party. Today I want to inspire all Christians to ask the Lord to bring two strong Christian candidates to the final ticket. To that end, let’s pray in agreement the following requests:

1. May each Christian candidate have a heart after His.

I am reminded of the story of King Saul, who was disobedient to God and was no longer allowed to be the King. Samuel told King Saul, “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” (I Sam 13:13-14) We then get a glimpse of how God chooses His leader in I Sam 16.

The Lord told Samuel that He had chosen one of Jesse’s sons to be king, but Samuel had no idea who it was because Jesse had eight sons. God prepared Samuel, saying, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Jesse presented his first seven sons, but Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen these. Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse had a son named David, who was out in the field tending the sheep. Samuel asked for Jesse to send for David, and the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.”

As we pray over the candidates who believe they can lead our country, let’s not fall into the trap of external appearances. We want what God wants, a man or woman after God’s own heart.

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2. May the Lord help these Christian candidates find great favor with the American people. 

We have biblical examples to support that God gives favor to His children.

• Abel brought the fat portions of his firstborn flock, but his brother brought “some of the fruits of the soil” as an offering. Since Abel honored God through his giving, the “Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” (Gen 4:4)
• Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. So “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Gen 6:8-9)
• Moses, whom the Lord called to deliver Israel, had God’s favor: “I know you by name and you have found favor with me.” (Ex 33:12)

The biblical accounts show that those who obeyed God had His favor. Since God doesn’t change, I believe the biblical pattern will continue. He will reveal to us over the next year whom He has shown favor.

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3. May God fill these two Christian candidates with boundless wisdom. 

King David had a son, Solomon. Before King David died, he appointed Solomon to reign in his place. (I Kings 1:29-36) Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David. (I Kings 3:3) The Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (I Kings 3:5)

Solomon knew what he needed: “Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? (I Kings 3:7-9)

Do you see Solomon’s humility and dependence on the Lord to help him succeed in his new role as the king? Don’t we all desire two Christian candidates who would humbly come before the Lord asking for God’s wisdom? Solomon pleased the Lord. “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” (I Kings 3:11-12) We read later that, “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (I Kings 4:29)

Let’s pray that the Lord will make it clear which Christian candidates are seeking wisdom. I believe He will show us as we go along.

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Prayer is the most powerful tool God has given us to change our world. Let’s not waste it or get lazy in our prayer life. I am asking Christians to join in agreement to pray boldly for the requests made above. We have the ability to influence the outcome of this next election if we would pray daily. NOW is the time! Nothing is impossible with God. I believe He will provide two strong Christian candidates on the ticket so that it’s a win-win for the American people.

Are you on board? If yes, would you prayerfully consider sharing this with other Christians? The more who pray in agreement, the more we positively influence the outcome of the next Presidential election. Your thoughts are always welcome below. 

Blessings,

Lee Ann

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