Faith Without Works Is Dead: Pray AND Vote

We pray. We fast. We trust that God is sovereign over our nation. And we are also called to act.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and I want to encourage you, with all my heart, to vote.

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17)

Yes, we need to pray with all our hearts. Yes, we can have faith that God is providing good leaders for our country. But the Lord expects us to do something. Praying and voting are not opposites; they belong together. If we stay home, we are not trusting God more. We are walking away from a responsibility He has placed in our hands. So much is at stake.

THE PEOPLE WHO FOUGHT FOR THIS

Can you imagine a woman in the 1920s sitting out an election?

The 19th Amendment guaranteed American women the right to vote, but it did not come easily. Beginning in the mid-1800s, generations of women lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many Americans considered a radical change to the Constitution. Few of those early supporters lived to see the victory in 1920.

Our right to vote is a privilege that was hard fought for. Let's honor it.

THE CHURCH CAN'T AFFORD TO SIT THIS ONE OUT

Research from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, led by George Barna, estimated before the last presidential election that roughly 32 million Christians who regularly attend church were unlikely to vote. Imagine what could happen if we showed up. We must do this for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

HERE IS HOW TO TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK

1. Make a plan to vote. Decide today when and where you will cast your ballot, whether early or on Election Day. Find your state's official election website to confirm your options and polling place.

2. Get informed. Look at what is on your entire ballot, including local races and ballot measures, and prayerfully consider which candidates and issues reflect God's heart.

3. Take someone with you. Text a friend, a neighbor, or a family member and make sure they have a plan too.

4. Join the 5 Days of Action for the Election from Intercessors for America. It begins Friday, October 30, and walks you through praying and acting in the days leading up to the election. https://ifapray.org/5-days-of-action/

A PRAYER FOR AS YOU VOTE

I love this prayer from the Intercessors for America resource. Consider praying it as you fill out your ballot:

"Lord, as I vote, I recognize that government was appointed by You for Your glory. All aspects of life, including government, should be places where Your Kingdom values rule. I desire leaders who fear You and choose to support issues reflecting Your heart, for You alone are sovereign and the solution to all of our nation's problems. I dedicate my voting to You as a holy obligation to my community and nation. Let Your presence fill our nation. I pray in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus. Amen."

Pray with all your heart. Then go vote.