It is a historic event that’s been four years in the making: Election Day. For those of us who care about our country and its future, this nationwide event unfolding today is just as big — if not bigger — than the Super Bowl, the World Series, or the NBA Finals. On Election Day, we don’t just watch the players. We are the players.
I have spent almost my whole life playing and coaching competitive sports, so when big moments are about to unfold in everyday life I can’t help but think back to my own athletic experiences. I played basketball in high school and college, and it only takes a moment for the memories to come flooding back.
“The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.”
I still remember the morning of a playoff basketball game. My stomach would be swarming with butterflies, my hands would be moist with nervous sweat, and my muscles felt twitchy and tense. As I munched my morning breakfast, I would rehearse my pre-game checklist in my mind: Do I have my game shoes? Did I pack the right socks? Is my uniform pressed and ready to go?
Twenty years later, I exchanged my basketball uniform for a coach’s clipboard — but even then I couldn’t escape the game-day jitters or my nervous concern with the pre-game checklist. At the Christian high school where I coached, I spent the moments before every big game studying my checklist. I would pray alone and again with my team — then it was time to take the floor.
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Election Day is a critical day for our country, and while your name isn’t going to be appearing on the ballot, your input still matters a great deal. Are you feeling some nerves? A few butterflies? What should be on your prayer checklist?
1.) Pray for citizens to actually come out and vote.
For all of the political rhetoric in recent days, the sad truth is that many voters are all talk and no action. In 2012, more than 93 million eligible voters stayed home on Election Day because they were frustrated, angry, or just plain lazy. Pray that America’s citizens will realize that bluster means nothing — it is the ballots that count! God will certainly bring His will to pass on Election Day, but we should still fulfill our responsibility to participate as good citizens (Prov. 16:9). He controls the end, but we are part of His means.
2.) Pray for voters to see the issues clearly.
For months, the American public has been bombarded with negative commercials, clamoring news stories, and unending commentary about the two main candidates. Many state and local races have been just as hotly contested. While it is easy to get caught up in the faces or personalities on display, the underlying issues matter more. Pray that God will help America’s voters to see past the people on the ballot to the actual platforms and policies they represent. Will this candidate uphold what is good, true, honorable, and moral (Phil. 4:8)? Does he or she have any concern for promoting or protecting biblical values?
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3.) Pray for election workers to fight fraud.
Nothing is more infuriating in life than a gasoline pump, supermarket scale, or election machine that has been tweaked by evil people. The Bible says in Proverbs 11:1, “The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight.” God is a God of truth and uprightness, so He desires our elections to be held honestly and fairly. Thousands of poll workers will be working today, so pray that they will be on their guard to fight voter fraud in all its forms. These great citizens do more than just distribute “I Voted” stickers — they are guardians of justice and democracy.
4.) Pray for the unity and solidarity of our country.
For more than 200 years, the United States has experienced a peaceful exchange of power from one president to the next. It is one of our greatest hallmarks as a nation. Even if your candidate is not elected, pray for the new president and the unity of our country. This person will be the president for all Americans, and he or she deserves our respect and prayers (1 Tim.2:1-2). New leaders will be rising to power all around our nation, so pray for them. Pray that we will unite behind them.
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As I look back fondly on my basketball experiences, I had a good run as a player and a coach. I endured my fair share of gut-wrenching losses, and I occasionally tasted the sweet savor of victory. But regardless of the outcome, every game day started the same way: with an upset stomach, nervous anxiety, and sweaty palms. The anticipation was great, and the outcome was unknown. But because I had my checklist, I knew how to prepare. I knew how to pray. Only then was it time to play.
It has been four years in the making, but Election Day is finally here. The anticipation is great, and the outcome is still unknown. But you have an important part to play today. It’s time to cast your vote.
Ryan Day is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where he has served for 17 years. He and his wife have six children.
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