Feeling helpless about politics? Here's an old-school solution

Have you ever felt helpless about what politicians are doing in Washington, DC or in state capitols?

Perhaps an official is acting contrary to your ideals, or another has disappointed you. Maybe you’re OK with how government is running, but wish certain aspects of it would improve. Whether or not you’re happy, prayer for our elected officials can support good government.

Prayer is not the first course of action advocated by many who fret and fume about what our legislators do, but it can be one of the most effective ways for citizens to make a positive difference.

For starters, it calms our thought and reminds us that a greater power is in control than any official. But it also has a beneficial effect on those whom our prayers rest upon. It can calm their thought, help them feel supported and appreciated, and inspire them to make wise choices.

Years ago, I was called to mediate for an angry group of farm workers who were bitterly divided on a critical issue. When I arrived on site, tempers were hot and attitudes polarized. I wasn’t sure what to say that would help. So, I stood quietly in the middle of the group and prayed for peace among the men. I saw each man as a child of God who could hear God’s voice speaking to them, loving them, caring for them and giving them fresh views that would take their anger away and cause them to work together as one.

After a minute or so of prayerfully knowing God’s presence among them, they stopped accusing each other. Silence descended on the group. After a bit, the opposing leaders spoke to each other in a calm voice and quickly resolved their differences. I said nothing, but I did something. I prayed that they could be of one mind and work out their differences. And they did.

We can apply the same type of prayer to our legislators in Congress.

We live in a world of thought where the effect of prayer can be felt across the miles from where we live to where officials negotiate and vote. The one God over all that we pray to from home, is present in the halls of congress and able to guide and inspire legislators to work together as one and make intelligent decisions.

The Apostle Paul understood the benefit of prayer for others, including heads of state, when he wrote to his friend Timothy, “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.” (I Timothy 2:1-2, NLT)

As we collectively pray for our officials to hear the mind of wisdom and love guiding and directing their actions, we support good government.

Our elected officials need more than our vote. They need our prayers, and we can help them be effective governors by sending a prayer their way.

This story was originally published April 19, 2018 at 5:27 PM with the headline "Feeling helpless about politics? Here's an old-school solution."