A Time to Pray

Yael Eckstein  |  October 27, 2020

Writing at Townhall, Yael asks that, as the U.S. prepares to vote, we come together in prayer, asking God to bless America with strength, peace, prosperity, and healing in the weeks and years ahead:

Politics can be emotional, but the truth is, it’s with good reason. Especially now that I live in Israel, I am well aware of the effect that American elections have on international policies and the trajectory of our world. With so much at stake — politically, emotionally, socially — I have realized that just as we have a civic duty to vote, as people of faith, we also have a spiritual responsibility to pray.

Both Jews and Christians hold fast to the belief that God hears our prayers and that He intervenes in world events on our behalf. So, while it is imperative that we cast our vote, we must also “Cast our cares on the Lord” (Psalm 55:22) through sincere and heartfelt prayer. Will our prayers be answered? Maybe not, but they will certainly change and soften our hearts.

I believe that just as our votes make a difference, so do our prayers. And just as we must exercise our right to vote, we dare not squander the opportunity to pray for a good outcome that will bring much-needed peace, unity, and healing. As the prophet Jeremiah said, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). Our prayers help our nation thrive — and when our nation thrives, we all win…