Days 31-40 of the prayer guide for the Pray and Act campaign focus on praying for public officials. As you listen to the debates by the various candidates over the next week, consider praying for wisdom about how to vote based on the following principles (you can download the guide here for a complete list of principles and petitions).

• A nation's leaders must lead first by example; therefore, ask God to raise up godly men and women to run for office.
• Wisdom is an indispensable component for responsible leadership: therefore, ask God to give our public officials wisdom for making good decisions, and wisdom to avoid ungodly influences and counsel.
• Every leaders' most dangerous enemies are spiritual in nature: therefore, ask God to protect public officials against Satan's attacks.
• Cooperation among leaders is a crucial key to national health: therefore, ask God to help public officials use their offices for public good, not personal gain.
• Public service is an important part of the Christian's calling as salt and light: therefore, ask God to burden Christians to run for public office or to become more involved in the civic affairs of their communities.
• Christians must make sure they are voting for candidates who support biblical values: therefore, ask God to burden church leaders to teach biblical values; to convict Christians to vote for candidates who best represent those values; and ask Him to expose the true values and beliefs of those running for office (something, as we have learned from bitter experience, is something politicians are very good at hiding until after they are elected).

Every two years, we are told by those in the media that "this is an important election"; and, every two years, it's true. Last time I checked, the current Congress has a single digit approval rating, and political pundits say that many incumbents are headed for defeat. Good! Like many Americans, I feel a bit cynical about whether changing leaders will make a difference; but I know that not changing them won't improve America. So, I'll vote and I'll pray to the only One who I know can turn things around -- starting with using godly men and women in public office who will stand firm for the principles God Himself holds dear. Will you?