In This Issue• Introduction
• Pray for the CHURCH
• Pray for the CANDIDATES
• Pray for the VOTERS
• Pray for the MEDIA
• Pray for the ELECTION
• Use the Sword of the Spirit (Part One)
• Use the Sword of the Spirit (Part Two)
• Pray for PROVISION
• Pray for the AMERICAN PEOPLE
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
THE 2012 ELECTION CYCLE GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER
Sunday, June 19, 2011
"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:33)
Introduction
"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3)
"The effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
Even though our next national election will not take place until Tuesday, November 6, 2012, the time to begin to pray over this process is now. This summer marks the beginning of an almost two-year election cycle - one in which foundations are being set place that will determine the course of events during this long campaign season. Some of the candidates have already engaged in public debates on the issues. In addition, in the months ahead on the campaign trail, new names will appear and in time, many will disappear. Through it all, desperate prayer is needed that each decision made will be in the center of God's will -- and His heart -- for our people.
The next election will surely determine the very destiny of our country. Will we continue to move in our current direction, or will we return to the foundations of our nation - foundations that are based solely on the Word of God? Ultimately, this decision will rest in the hands of the voters, but the ongoing process of decision-making has already begun. Our "effectual, fervent prayers" at this time, asking for God's will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven, can and will do much to affect the outcome of this election process at all levels: federal, state, and local. It is time for the watchmen to get back up on the wall and with careful, prayerful oversight, to become engaged "in the spirit" in this battle for the future of America.
What follows is a very simple, nine-point guide to intercession during this election cycle. This guide (developed by a core team of CHPP intercessors) has been designed to mobilize prayer during this campaign season. Many more points to this guideline can and should be added, as the Lord would direct; and additional verses to stand upon are certainly to be welcomed, as well.
Whether this guide is utilized in private intercession or with a corporate prayer team, every prayer "avails much" before the Throne Room of God. Thank you for agreeing in intercession over the needs and the decrees below.
May God hear our prayers for our nation!
Sara C. Ballenger, Founder and President
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
Pray for the CHURCH
1. Pray for the CHURCH
-- Offer prayer that we, the Body of Christ in America, will walk together before our Lord in the spirit of unity and with pure hearts.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of thee, But to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God? " (Micah 6:8)
-- Pray that repentance would become a lifestyle, so that we are each quick to come before the Lord, confessing our sins and forgiving each other, where needed. Pray that unity be restored.
" . . .if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
-- Pray that we would be quick to forgive our enemies, for they know not what they do -- even in the political arena. This is commanded by our Lord.
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Pray for the CANDIDATES
2. Pray for the CANDIDATES
-- that they come to know the fear of the LORD so that they will walk in wisdom throughout this long campaign season.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)
-- that they will surround themselves with skilled staffers -- men and women who will offer wise counsel to each candidate throughout this Election Cycle.
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. " (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
-- for strength for the candidates and for their families and their staffers. May each one be energized and invigorated by the campaign process, rather than drained.
"As your days, so shall your strength be." (Deuteronomy 33:25)
Pray for the VOTERS
3. Pray for the VOTERS
-- that they will know and correctly discern the true character of each candidate on the ballot (in both the primaries and in the general election). Pray that they will choose wisely, each one being led by the Spirit of the Most High God.
"For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
-- pray that the voters would choose a man or woman to serve as our next President who will dedicate themselves to:
Hear Christ - (Jn. 10: 3-4)
Follow Christ - (Jn 10:4,5,27)
Receive Christ - (Jn 1:12)
-- pray that the voters would choose a man or woman to serve as our next President who would find their standing before God to be:
Blameless - (Phil 2:15)
Faithful - (Rev 17:14)
Godly - (2 Peter 2:9)
Holy - (Col. 3:12)
[Of course, it is God and God only who judges the soul of a man. Our job is to pray that they be found to be righteous -- in right standing -- before our Lord.]
Pray for the MEDIA
4. Pray for the MEDIA (Pray for a miracle!)
-- Intercede that each member of the print and broadcast media will report the facts of this election cycle in truth, avoiding any bias in their comments.
"The Lord GOD has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away." (Isaiah 50:5)
-- Pray that God will make Himself real and personal in their lives.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10)
-- Pray that any corrupt practices that may be present in these circles be exposed and brought to justice.
"There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." (Luke 12:2)
Pray for the ELECTION
5. Pray for the ELECTION
-- Pray against any "dirty tricks" or similar wicked schemes among the candidates. Pray that justice is served, if so. Also, come against any "friendly fire" that may erupt among candidates who are of the same political party.
"Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD. (Jer. 23:24)
Use the Sword of the Spirit (Part One)
6. Take up the Sword of the Spirit (Part One)
-- Bind the spirit of LIES and loose the spirit of TRUTH throughout this election cycle.
BIND: lies, deception, dishonesty and distortion. Also, bind any occult spirits that may be in operation, too.
LOOSE: truth, honesty, integrity, ethical behavior
"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18)
-- Rejoice that the Word is alive!
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
-- And rejoice that the Word does not come back void!
" . . .so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
Use the Sword of the Spirit (Part Two)
7. Use the Sword of the Spirit (Part Two)
Continue to wield the Sword of the Spirit on behalf of our people.
-- Bind the Spirit of lawlessness; loose the Spirit of peace and order.
". . . God is not a God of confusion but of peace . . ." (I Corinthians 14:33)
-- Ask the Lord to quell any violence that may be planned in our streets; pray for peace and safety in our cities.
"No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise." (Isaiah 60:18)
-- For those who may be planning to foment riots or unlawful demonstrations, pray that they be found out before these events take place, and that they be brought to justice.
" . . . those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. " (Psalm 37:9)
Pray for PROVISION
8. Pray for PROVISION
Thank the LORD for providing sufficient resources for every declared candidate, according to His will:
-- Funds:
"A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity."(Psalm 37:10,11)
-- Volunteers:
"Your troops will be willing on your day of battle." (Psalm 110:3)
-- Resources:
" And my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)
Pray for the AMERICAN PEOPLE
9. Pray for the AMERICAN PEOPLE
PRAY THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL AWAKEN TO THE FACT THAT IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ACT, AND TO VOTE!! IF WE DESIRE TO SEE OUR NATION RESTORED TO ITS TRUE FOUNDATIONS, IT IS UP TO US TO PRAY, AND TO TAKE ACTION! AMEN.
"They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me." (Jer. 32:38-40)
'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zech. 4:6)
