How Can I Pray for My Politically Divisive Friends?

With election season in full swing, you are more than likely to come across friends who are fired up over political issues or a specific candidate. We are blessed to live in a country where we can choose our leaders by vote, but sometimes people can take it too far. These people will lean into fostering division rather than unity to prove a point. However, we can pray for them and still remain in relationship by using wisdom and pressing into prayer.

A Blessed Opportunity

We often take for granted the incredible gift of living in the United States. Our country was founded based on freedom and the ability to worship freely. This is so rare, even in a modern age where we ignorantly assume it is the same everywhere. Thousands have fought for us to retain this freedom; it is something we should not take lightly. As Ronald Reagan wisely said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day, we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States, where men were free." These wise words are ones we should take to heart, and we should pray for our country as a whole. This is not a Republican, Democrat, or Independent issue; it is a heart posture. Before we consider how to approach overzealous friends, let us first thank God for the gift of living in this country.

Unity of John 17

In John 17 we see a deep, heartfelt prayer from Jesus over believers to come. This prayer is one of unity, and we can take inspiration in praying for our fellow countrymen. John 17:20 extends, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

When we consider how to pray for friends and family members who are politically divisive, let us pray for unity. We cannot change them, but we can pray for God to move their hearts toward unity. Instead of blowing up at the friend or avoiding them, pray for them to seek unity and truth in what God says is firm and true.

Reminders for Awareness Rooted in God's Word

It is important to remember that we will always find reasons to disagree with someone. It can be large, hot topic issues, or it can be even subtle disagreements, but you will never fully align with someone fully. There is a great threat to our nation right now to fall into the temptation the enemy authors to be against our fellowman and to view our neighbor as our enemy. This is where we ache in our hearts to know what is true and what we ought to stand on. This is why we must rely on what God says is correct in His Word when it comes to big or small issues. His Word endures from age to age, and it is not something that needs to change with culture, but we can be changed by the Word. If we disagree with Scripture, we are the ones in the wrong. That is where the Lord can work in refinement within us to grow, change, and discern with greater understanding why God says His ways are correct. Remember when you are praying for your breadthen that He may do a work within you as well to be refined and see things in a different light. Above all else, ask God to reveal to you what His Will is in each and every situation and topic.

Relationship Over Being Right

So often the things we accuse others of are the exact bad habits or flaws we ourselves are extending. We may need to check the planks in our own eyes before pointing out the splinters in others, so it is important to check your heart with God. Remembering that we want to preserve and encourage relationship within our communities is vital. Keeping relationship does not mean you admit defeat or that you are wrong, but it may mean putting aside an issue to allow the relationship to be preserved. This practice can also mean coming before the Lord in prayer for your fellowman more than discussing the issue with them directly. Seek the Lord in prayer for your friend that is stirring up division and remember they may not even be aware that they are doing so. Ask God to bring about conviction and revelations so that we all may live in the heart of Jesus in John 17 for unity.

Prayer for Friends

Father God,

Thank You for our incredible country and for the opportunity to pray freely for our brothers and sisters. First, we want to thank You for this privilege. It is not given to everyone and has been fought for by our brave servicemen and women. Lord, second, we want to earnestly pray for our country to turn to You. Psalm 33:12 reminds us, "What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance." Lord, we pray that the hearts, minds, and spirits of those living in this country would turn back to You and choose You as their Savior. Lord, finally we seek to pray for those who stir up division in our circles. We pray for conviction that they are causing chaos more than they are proving a point, and we pray that this would be something they realize and want to change. Lord, we pray that You will work in all our hearts and give us ones who are led by Your Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26) and that we will be led to stand for truth above all else. Lord, please refine us, reveal Your heart and desire for this great land, and bring us into unity. We pray that we would be used as Your vessels unto our friends to encourage them to walk in accordance with Your Word and Your will rather than the shifting opinions of what they see and hear on the news or in our culture. Lastly, we pray that if we need to change, You would make it clear to us and we would desire to walk in Your way. Thank You for everything, oh Lord.

In Jesus Name, we pray,

Amen

Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive," “Jesus Calling Blog,” and “Coffee and Bible Time,” among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging women to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, is available everywhere now. Connect with Cally: @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com