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There has been more than enough anxiety, stress, and even trepidation around the midterm elections—not to mention a barrage of political ads fueled by record-breaking spending. As I’ve previously written, this is far from a normal year for midterm elections.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul instructed the church to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (4:6-7). That “everything” includes uncertain and potentially volatile elections.
So, in the spirit of making our requests known to God, I’m sharing a prayer for these elections that I hope can be balm amid it all.
You are welcome to lift it up, adapt it, and share it as a way of guarding your own heart and mind, particularly in what could be a tumultuous period from Election Day to the seating of a new Congress on Jan. 3, 2027.
God, you are the author and perfecter of our faith, the Alpha and the Omega. Thank you for your constant presence and continuous love and grace.
God, you are our bridge over troubled water, including the troubled waters that our nation is mired in right now. As the old spiritual says, you are “our rock in a weary land.” And right now, our weariness is tied to this long election season.
God, your word calls us to pray for those who are in positions of authority. We lift up a prayer for every election worker and official. We ask that you would form a hedge of protection around them and give them an extra dose of stamina and strength, especially as they run polling places, assist voters, and follow election laws. Enable them to carry out their work with precision and integrity.
God, we pray for every eligible voter, each one part of the Beloved Community and made in your image. We pray they are able to cast their vote without any hindrance, any intimidation, or any harassment.
We pray for those who are still deciding whether to vote. Help them find motivation to cast their ballot, whether from their faith, their love for you, or their hopes for their community. Where they may be feeling disillusioned, help them find hope; where they may be dealing with fatalism, give them a greater sense of their agency; where they may be feeling isolated, give them a greater sense of connection and solidarity.
God, we pray for a free, fair, and safe election, one without violence or the threat of violence. We pray that every vote is counted fairly. We pray that every county and state official who is charged with certifying the election carries out this ceremonial role with integrity. We pray for the smooth and peaceful seating of the newly elected Congress on Jan. 3. Help all our elected officials prioritize seeking justice, protecting human dignity, and advancing the common good.
God, give us courage and vigilance if we face efforts to interfere with or sabotage the election. May we remain calm, communicate the truth, and stand up for what is right.
We pray for those who vote, think, and believe differently from us. Help us to love them as you have commanded us to love both our neighbors and our enemies. Show us how to build communities that support the rights and flourishing of all. Make us your peacemakers, instruments of justice and righteousness.
Rev. Adam Russell Taylor is president of Sojourners and author of A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community. Follow him on Bluesky @revadamtaylor.
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