The National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force is urging all American Christians to pray for the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections.
Jim Weidmann, vice chairman of the NDP Task Force, said the Pray for Election Day campaign is aimed at helping citizens understand their role in the electoral process.
"In a Christian nation, we have the biblical responsibility as well as the patriotic responsibility to cast our vote for those who govern us," he said. "We want people to spend time praying that those who are elected will align themselves with God's laws. We also want them to get out and vote so the Christian understanding is captured in the vote."
The Pray for Election Day Web site is key to the effort. Visitors will discover suggestions on what to pray for — and can even record the fact that they prayed. Event organizers have also earmarked Nov. 5 as a day for all believers to pray and fast for the outcome of all the races on the Nov. 7 ballot.
By going to the polls, believers are taking advantage of the chance to elect men and women who share their beliefs on important issues, Weidmann said.
"It is important to understand the issues with each of the candidates so voters understand where they fall — so they can align themselves with candidates who align with their Christian values and beliefs," he said. "And then pray obviously that those might be elected."
Some Christians may feel like Congress and President Bush haven't accomplished much in the way of legislation backed by values voters, but Weidmann said that means it is even more important to be involved in the process — especially with so many states voting on ballot measures on such important topics as protecting one-man, one-woman marriage.
"We're really trying to say, 'Don't be discouraged,' " Weidmann noted. "Let's try to get to the polls and encourage our friends to go to the polls and vote for those that align with what you believe."
But the NDP Task Force's efforts don't stop at the ballot box. Once those who win on Election Day are in office, the Adopt-A-Leader kit encourages continued prayer throughout the year.
"It is really meant to put in place a tool that puts feet to your prayers," Weidmann said. "When you look at what an elected official gets every day — they get expressions of discontent — we're trying to make a difference and say, 'Listen, why don't you send them a card saying that you're praying for them, praying that they would have great wisdom and discernment, that you're praying for their families?'
"And what happens is that prayer really stands out amongst everything else that they receive."
President Bush is a prime example of the power of prayer for elected officials, he said.
"He is very, very open in talking about his dependence on those who pray for him," Weidmann said. "He tells us that he gets his strength to continue on with everything that he's had to deal with and his ability to think clearly from the prayers of the people that are praying for him."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about the Pray for Election Day campaign on the Nation Day of Prayer Task Force Web site.
