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The Direction and Shape of Government
The news feeds are moving decisively into the 2026 midterm-election season. In-person early voting began Friday in Virginia, with absentee and mail voting already underway in several other states. The election will determine control of Congress for the final two years of the current presidential term and, with that control, the direction and shape of government.
We must move past the simple question of which political philosophy should win.
The deeper, more pressing issue is this: How can a deeply divided people govern ourselves wisely, justly, and peaceably when we disagree profoundly about what should be done?
Several real issues lie beneath much of the political noise:
- Economic security and affordability.
- America’s role in a dangerous world.
- Immigration and the rule of law.
- Institutional restraint and accountability.
- Confidence in democratic institutions.
For people seeking Spirit-directed governance, prayer must therefore be more expansive than asking God to give our side political success.
We pray first for God’s will rather than our preferred outcome.
We pray for humility before power—that those entrusted with authority will recognize that authority is stewardship, not possession.
We pray for wisdom and discernment—the ability to distinguish what is merely urgent from what is truly important; what is politically advantageous from what is right; and what appears effective today from what will serve generations yet unborn.
We pray for truth—that deception will be exposed wherever it originates, that citizens will resist information simply because it confirms what they already believe, and that leaders will speak truth even when truth carries political cost.
We pray for justice joined with mercy; for protection of the vulnerable; respect for law; responsible stewardship of the nation’s resources; peace where peace is possible; and courage where firmness is required.
We pray for ourselves. The biblical warnings concerning pride, self-interest, fear, and anger apply not only to presidents and members of Congress. They apply equally to the people who choose them.
How important is our prayer? The Scripture is clear . . .
If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
And we claim the principles of an old promise . . .
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14–15
The stakes are high. A future is in the balance.
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