October 2020

Pray for Election Day 2020
 

Breaking News from our Missouri Conference website: Lay pastor Ivan James has been watching with concern the national dialogue as the country nears the November 3 election. Deepening political divisions in America and the fear that votes won’t get counted has eroded civil discourse. James felt he had no other choice than to turn to God and begin a period of intense prayer leading up to the election. Leaning on the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church, Pastor James began to invite all United Methodists in Missouri to pray daily in the 30 days leading up to the presidential election. One of his calls was to Bishop Bob Farr who accepted the challenge.

“It is part of the pastoral duty to pray for our leaders and all those who govern,” said Bishop Farr. “I’ve accepted Pastor Ivan James’ invitation to pray daily in the month leading up to our nation’s election, and I invite you to join our efforts to invite the Holy Spirit to work in and among us as we move toward a free and fair election.”

While those who follow Jesus understand that their allegiance to God takes precedence over our allegiance to any state, United Methodists also acknowledge the vital function of government as a principal vehicle for the ordering of society.
 
In 1774, Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, offered powerful advice regarding a Christian’s role in voting:

1. Vote your conscience.
2. Do not slander the opponent of the individual you voted for.
3. Do not allow voting to disrupt Christian unity.

Pastor James and Bishop Farr call upon all United Methodists in Missouri to engage in political responsibility while adhering to Wesley’s guidance.

It’s never too early to start praying, but the #30daysofprayer launches Monday, October 5 through the national election on Tuesday, November 3. Follow us on Instagram, @moumethodist, for daily prayer topics and reminders.
 
Roger Ross
P.S. For encouragement, you can receive a weekly Prayer Text by texting KINGDOM to 573-227-6557

PPS. Check out our latest Learn + Lead Podcast: A conversation about meeting Jesus at mile marker 164 on I-55 south, losing a child to an overdose, and walking out that pain by leading one of the most fruitful and evangelistic ministries of our time. https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/missouri-annual-conference/learn-and-lead-podcast?refid=stpr

As our country and world continue to battle COVID-19, we are painfully aware of the racial and ethnic injustices that plague our national character. We have much to bring before God.
Feel free to pray for a different area each day. Thanks for praying! 

• SUNDAY:  REPENTANCE & SALVATION- Pray that as we humble ourselves and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways, God will release healing, salvation, and justice across our nation and world (2 Chron 7:14). By faith, see the people of God, the church, standing in the gap for the sick, the oppressed, the hurting, the lost, and the lonely. Lord, multiply your Kingdom through us. 

• MONDAY:  PEACE- Pray for God’s perfect love to cast out all spirits of division, suspicion, anxiety, panic, and fear that threaten our communities and sense of community.

• TUESDAY:  LEADERSHIP- Invite the Holy Spirit to work in and among us as we move toward a free and fair election on November 3.

• WEDNESDAY:  JUSTICE- Pray for justice to roll down like waters and right living like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24), so we may repent of racism and overcome the evil powers of this world with good. 

• THURSDAY:  RESOURCES- Pray for sufficient human & medical resources for our healthcare systems as well as necessary resources for all other sectors (i.e. financial) and institutions (i.e. schools, churches, local government).

• FRIDAY:  PROTECTION- Claim the blood of Jesus as a shield and healing over people, institutions (esp. Schools and Universities right now) and systems as well as all first responders and medical personnel in the battle against COVID-19. Please seek God for full healing for the several UM pastors in Missouri in a severe battle with COVID.

• SATURDAY:  RESEARCH- Pray for all types of researchers to develop an effective, affordable, and safe COVID-19 treatment and vaccine.

 
(Some prayers adapted from Rev. Dr. Peter Bellini, a United Methodist Pastor and Professor at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, https://davidfwatson.me/2020/03/14/10-guidelines-for-prayer-in-these-covid-19-times-by-dr-peter-bellini/)