A Political Prayer

There is a certain belief that Christians (at least modern Christians) should have nothing to do with the world of politics. After all, there should be a separation between church and the state. Politics is always a sphere of society that Christians often engage in hesitantly, whether working in the government or as citizens. However, when we are called to witness Christ to others, we are called to do it even in politics. The Bible also has its fair share of narratives and prescriptions about politics.

Heavenly Father, give me the grace to faithfully witness the character of Christ even in the realm of politics. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Is Christianity Anti-political?

The truth is that even Jesus was political when He did His ministry here on earth around 2,000 years ago. Scholars would say that the Roman Empire saw Jesus as a threat. The Roman Empire was strict about suppressing the rebellion, and Jesus was a potential threat because He had a massive influence and a growing number of followers. Plus, He was claiming that He was the King of the Jews, the Messiah, which didn’t sit well for the Roman Empire.

The Messiah that the Jews were expecting was a political one, someone like King David in the past, who delivered and rescued Israel from its oppressors, the Roman Empire. That is why when Jesus came, they said that Jesus could do miracles. They hoped the time had come and that the former glory of Israel would be restored thanks to their Savior arriving.

However, the Messiah that came was a different one. Jesus was a modest and humble servant of God who came indeed to liberate the captives and open the prison for those who were bound (Isaiah 61:1). Still, He wasn’t talking about those who were physically held captive by Roman soldiers. Rather, He was talking about those who were taken captive by sin. The Roman Empire was the least of the Jews’ problems. They had a much worse problem, which was sin and death.

Christ’s ministry was political. He told people to repent and said that His Kingdom was at hand. However, His Kingdom transcends all realms. That is why Pilate asked Jesus where His Kingdom was in John 18:33-38. He answered that His Kingdom is not of this world. Christ’s Kingdom is spiritual, which transcends every other realm. Hence, our duty as Christians is to bring about His Kingdom here on earth as we preach Christ to the world (Matthew 6:9-10). However, in the future, a time will come when Christ will return not as a humble king but as a glorious one and will make the new heaven and earth one (Revelation 21:1-5).

Lord, we pray for Your Kingdom to come here on earth as it is in heaven and that Your will shall be done in all aspects of society. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Salt and Light in the World of Politics

One of the ways we bring about God’s Kingdom here on earth is by being the salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16). The world is dying and decaying. There is nothing in it but brokenness. Such is the result of sin. Hence, our job as Christians is to be the salt and light to this dying world. Just like what salt did during Jesus’ time—preserve things and make food taste better—we must preserve what is good and improve things around us.

We do that through the different ministries we have but primarily through the preaching of the Gospel. Even historians would say the world became better when Christianity spread throughout the centuries. One example is the establishment of human rights during the 1500s. The rights and dignity of individuals were valued, and all had Christianity as its root. Today, we can mainly bring about the Kingdom of God by preaching Christ to others. Only in Christ can they experience the realities of the Kingdom of God, for apart from Christ, they are in the kingdom of darkness (John 8:12; Colossians 1:13).

That entails that Christians working in government are to be the salt and light in the political sphere where they are working. That does not entail arguing a better policy, filing certain motions, etc. One can greatly change the political sphere of a nation through preaching the Gospel alone. That is why Christians are people who never avoid politics but engage in it. They engage in it to bring about the Kingdom of God through the Gospel, engaging in discourses that promote godly truth and working in the political realm to reflect who God is and glorify Him (Matthew 5:16).

Father in heaven, may our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are in the sphere of politics be the salt and light there through the preaching of the Gospel, and may they let their light shine in a manner that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

How to Say a Political Prayer

You say a political prayer by praying for two groups. The first group contains the politicians, government leaders, government employees, and every other person involved in the government as a whole. The second contains the Christians working in the political sphere. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, it is written that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, kings, and those in high positions. While most nations now have either presidents or prime ministers (there are still monarchs but only a very few and not like before), they are the equivalents of kings. Also, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says that prayers and supplications must be made for all people. Hence, we also pray for other people along with Christians in the political sphere.

1. Politicians, government leaders, government employees, and everyone else involved in the government

The primary prayer you can say is for them to have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. We can’t expect them to lead with wisdom, integrity, excellence, and morality if they are not in Christ. We can only surely expect that one in politics would fear God only if he or she believes the Gospel and surrenders his or her life to Christ.

Father in heaven, I pray for the government officials, employees, and even the key leaders in the different government bodies and agencies. May they get to hear the Gospel. As they hear the Gospel, open their spiritual eyes, and soften their hearts so that they may repent and believe it, surrendering their lives to Christ and governing in a manner that would bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

2. Christians working in the political sphere

You can also pray for our fellow brothers and sisters in the faith who are in the political sphere. Ask for grace upon them so they can be bold in preaching Christ to those who haven’t heard of Him. Pray that they conduct their lives in a manner that reflects the character of God, whether it be in how they speak, their excellence at work, how they treat their fellow workmates, their conviction, etc. Pray that they receive the grace to live holy lives, ones that are set apart (1 Peter 1:15-16 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.).

Heavenly Father, I pray for grace upon our brethren in the political sphere so that they shall be bold and unashamed in preaching the Gospel to others, for it is Your power that brings salvation to those who believe. Convince them and help them live lives set apart for You so they can be holy and blameless in their conduct and live in a manner that exhibits Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Indeed, we Christians should engage in politics, whether by being the salt and light in that specific realm or with prayer. After all, we want to bring about God’s Kingdom in the political sphere. Ultimately, our hope is not on our president, government officials, or whoever leads our nation. Our hope is in Christ, and our minds should be set not in this world but on the things above, where Christ is seated (Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.).