As election season gets underway, people are fired up. Some are worried, some are hopeful, and a whole lot are ready to see their candidates win. But as Christians, we need to pause for a moment and think beyond the frenzy, beyond the personalities, beyond the promises and mudslinging. We need to get back to the basics, remembering that Scripture calls us to a higher purpose—one that isn’t swayed by election cycles or political rhetoric. We’re called to pray for our leaders, all of them, regardless of our personal opinions, whether we voted for them or not.

Here’s the thing: it’s easy to get caught up in the endless debates about who’s right and who’s wrong, who’s doing the best job and who’s wrecking the country. But I’m here to remind you that none of those leaders are ultimately in control—God is. He’s got the whole world in His hands, and that includes every single government, every nation, and every ruler. The Bible tells us that “the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men and gives them to whomever He chooses” (Daniel 4:17). That’s something we can’t afford to forget. We need to trust God’s sovereignty above any election result, knowing that He has a purpose even when things don’t look the way we expect.

When we look at leadership in the Bible, we see time and time again that God’s people prayed for their leaders, even when those leaders weren’t exactly role models of faith. Take Joshua, for example. The Israelites lifted him up in prayer, asking for God’s strength and wisdom as he led them into battle. And here’s the key: they prayed not because they thought Joshua had it all together, but because they knew that God could give him what he needed to lead well. The same is true today—our leaders need God’s guidance, whether they realize it or not.

And let’s talk about Paul’s instruction to Timothy, where he writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Paul doesn’t say, “Pray for the good leaders” or “Pray for the ones you like.” He says to pray for all of them, period. Why? So that we can live in peace and honor God with our lives. It’s about trusting God’s hand over their decisions, believing that He can use anyone to fulfill His purposes.

It’s natural to look at a leader’s flaws and think, “How can I pray for them?” But Proverbs 21:1 tells us that “the king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.” You think God can’t use an imperfect leader? Look at the whole Bible! He used broken, messed-up people again and again to bring about His plans. So when we pray, we’re not putting our faith in a person; we’re putting our faith in God, who can turn hearts and change minds in ways we’ll never fully understand. By praying, we’re inviting Him to work in their lives, in our country, and in the world at large.

Now let’s talk about peace. The Bible is clear that when we pray for our leaders, we’re also praying for our communities. Paul wrote to Timothy so we could understand that praying for those in authority over us leads to lives marked by peace and godliness. Let’s be real—without peace, we’re at each other’s throats, fighting, pointing fingers, dividing over every difference. And who do you think gets a kick out of that? The enemy. Satan loves nothing more than to see people divided, angry, and suspicious of one another. That’s why we need to pray for peace—not only for our own lives but to resist the schemes of the enemy.

Romans 13:1 reminds us that “there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Now, does that mean every leader does the right thing? Absolutely not. But it does mean that we can trust God is working, even when we don’t fully understand how. Praying for our leaders doesn’t mean we agree with every decision they make or that we pretend their flaws don’t exist. Instead, it’s about surrendering our need to control the outcome and acknowledging that God’s will is greater than our understanding.

So how do we pray for our leaders, especially the ones we struggle to respect? We can start by asking God to turn their hearts toward Him. We can pray that they seek wisdom and humility, that they make decisions that honor truth and justice, and that they have a genuine desire to serve. Proverbs 21:1 tells us that God can steer even the most stubborn hearts in His direction, and that’s something we should remember every time we feel tempted to give up on a leader or lose hope in our government.

When we pray, it’s not just about asking God to bless us with the “right” leader or the policies we prefer. It’s about showing our faith and obedience to Him, trusting that He knows best. Praying for our leaders isn’t an endorsement of their actions; it’s an act of faith in God’s greater plan. It’s easy to think, “Well, what difference does my prayer make?” But if we truly believe that God is sovereign and powerful, then we have to believe that our prayers do make a difference. James 5:16 reminds us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Don’t underestimate what God can do when His people pray with faith.

As we approach the election, let’s remember that it’s our responsibility to vote, but it’s also our responsibility to seek God’s wisdom in that process. Vote for policies that align with godly values. Don’t get hung up on personalities or let emotions drive your decisions. Pray for discernment as you look at each candidate, and vote with a heart that’s focused on what aligns best with God’s will, not with the popular opinion. This isn’t about putting our trust in man; it’s about making choices that honor God to the best of our ability.

Finally, let’s make a commitment to keep praying after the election. It doesn’t end when we cast our ballots or when the results come in. If we’re going to see real change, we need to keep lifting up our leaders every single day. Pray that they lead with integrity, that they seek peace, and that they are open to God’s guidance. Pray that they make choices that promote righteousness and justice, and pray that God strengthens them in the face of pressure and opposition.

So this election season, let’s remember that we serve a God who holds every authority in His hands. No election result, no policy, no human leader can ever shake the foundation of God’s kingdom. Trust Him, pray faithfully, and let’s go forward with peace, knowing that He is ultimately in control.