As another election season approaches, the noise and anxiety surrounding candidates, opinions, and policies grows. As we support students and families in the midst of a political whirlwind, it’s important to remember that the true example we set for our children isn’t only in the lessons they learn about government at school, but in how they witness us live out our faith—especially in our prayers and actions to benefit those around us.
At this time, we have the great opportunity to teach our children what truly matters most: how our faith impacts the practical choices and decisions we make. While elections may change the faces of leadership, Christians as far apart as Augustine, John Calvin, and Pope Francis all speak on the truth of God’s sovereignty transcending all governments. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to guide our children through this season by rooting our actions, prayers, and conversations in a bigger, more creative, and enduring story than who will win a single ballot initiative, while also advocating and voting for what we believe is best for ourselves and our neighbors. As we have conversations with our children about the election and politics, we encourage you to call to mind scriptures that declare truth such as Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
A few things to Teach Our Children During Election Season:
Growing up, I was always the child that felt the rush of excitement during competition. Mostly on sports fields, but even in friendly games of cards, I remember feeling most proud when I claimed victory over my opponents, or got the highest grade in the class. Even now during a work deadline, or even seeing how many grocery bags I can carry at once to avoid two trips, I just want to win.
As I think about my inner child, and how most of us, including our students, experience competition, it can be deeply disappointing to not have you or your ‘team’ win. And when we experience loss, the world feels unfair, it may be embarrassing and emotional. During this election season, there will be disappointment for some. As followers of Jesus, God is gracious to enter into our disappointment, and lift our eyes to more, to Himself. Luke 12:32 says, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” This verse changes my perspective on the ‘me against them’ narrative that seems to penetrate my heart. I believe there is always more going on in God’s ‘kingdom’ than what we can see, and we can trust Him with what He has planned. As scripture shows us time and time again, we have a God who is faithful, compassionate, and kind in the midst of what may feel like chaos.
As I reflect on this, I realize that there’s still a part of me that resonates with that childlike desire for things to go my way, but now, I know there are lessons in every loss, and in every challenge. There is great beauty in our democracy, in our voice and vote. Here are four lessons I am reminding myself still, and encourage you to prayerfully teach your student as it relates to this election season.
- Our Ultimate Leader: The Reign of King Jesus
While government structures and political processes are essential to understand, the most valuable lesson we can teach our children is that the God of the Bible is in control over all things. His kingdom is not of this world as John 18:36 reminds us. No matter the outcome of an election, our true commitment is to the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) This perspective helps us and our children understand that our Earthly leaders are temporary, and we can trust God’s plan for our lives, even if it doesn’t make sense at the moment.
2. Let God’s Word Shape Our Political Choices
Scripture offers timeless truths that shape how we can engage with the world. Passages remind us of the importance of all people no matter their age or stage, ways to treat one another, and how we have the opportunity to be generous. Our children are eager to see that our political values stem from our biblical beliefs, not the other way around. It’s our responsibility to guide them through why we believe what we do, and explain God’s Word to help them understand.
3. Anchor Your Family’s Hope in Christ, Not in Politics
The outcome of an election is important, but it doesn’t define our hope. As Christians, our ultimate hope lies in Christ, not in American politics. Let your children witness your trust in God above all else. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious about anything, but to bring all our concerns to God in prayer. In doing so, we demonstrate that Christ is the ultimate source of peace, not people.
4. Regardless of the outcome, Love Your Neighbor
Scripture is clear—whether we agree with the political leaders chosen or not, we are called to love our neighbors and care for those in need. James 1:22 urges us to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. As you discuss what and who is on the ballot this year with your children, emphasize the importance of serving others, caring for those in need, and embodying Christ’s love no matter what.
Five-Day Family Prayer Guide for this Election
We’ve created this five-day prayer guide to help your family spend time in God’s Word and prayer during this election season. It is designed to help children from preschool through high school focus on seeking God, loving our neighbors, and trusting in His ultimate plan.
Day 1: Pray for God’s Will to be Done From scripture we see the heartbeat of the Father is a commitment to justice, compassion, care and the value of personhood no matter their age. Pray that His design of love and generosity will occur, no matter who is elected. As tensions can run high during these seasons, pray That God would help any frustration to be channeled into productive action and conversation.
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Day 2: Pray for the Next 100 Days Pray that the happenings within the next three and a half months would be full of wise, thoughtful decisions. Ask God to guide those in office with grace and integrity, and make choices that benefit the nation. For those preparing for the transition of office, pray for them and their family during this significant change.
He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. He told them, ‘Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. 2 Chronicles 19:5-6
Day 3: Pray as you vote The act of engaging your heart by prayer as you take action and vote with your hands is important for our children to see. They watch you serve and engage with our school community in many different ways, and now they have the opportunity to see you ask for God’s wisdom and be engaged in our local and national community. Pray for polling places and their workers. Pray for peace in your own heart, and the hearts of others, as they make their choices. Pray for unity and stability in the nation as leaders prepare to take on new responsibilities.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Day 4: Pray for the Church Pray that as believers, we would keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, not becoming overwhelmed by the circumstances or placing all our hope in human leadership. Pray that the church would lead the way in humility, truth, compassion and love throughout these elections – especially with those who we may disagree with. Pray that God would give us wisdom to know not just how to vote in a way that honors him, but also what ‘good works’ he is calling us into to express his Kingdom during this time.
This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other” Zechariah 7:9-10
Day 5: Pray for All Elected Officials Pray for the new government officials, from governors to local council members, as they step into their roles. Pray for the outcomes on ballots that would most glorify God. Ask God to grant elected officials wisdom, compassion, and servant-hearted leadership as they work to serve their communities and the nation. Ask God to provide peace, comfort, and strength as they move homes, adjust to new roles, and navigate this new chapter in their lives. Pray that they might come to know God personally, if they do not already.
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 2:1-3
By committing to this prayer guide as a family, you’re not only shaping your children’s understanding of politics through the lens of faith, but also demonstrating the importance of trusting God’s will in all things.May this season remind us that, while leaders may change, God’s kingdom is eternal, and His love for His people and this world is unchanging. I’m uplifted by a few words from pastor and author, Paul Tripp’s, devotional New Morning Mercies, “Yes, you are a citizen of this world and you are touched by its brokenness [and beauty], but as you are, you must remind yourself that you are the citizen of another Kingdom. Your King rules over everything that would discourage and disappoint you, and he rules for your good and his glory. What is out of your control is under his rule. What you don’t understand is under his careful administration.” May these words encourage you, too, in this season and each to come.