In a time as divisive, anxiety-provoking and important as the 2024 U.S. presidential election, prayer is an essential component to our civic engagement. Below is a list of ways you can pray throughout the day on November 5, rooting ourselves as Christians in something stronger than politics and policies.
A quick note on Keeping Hours
Keeping Hours, the Divine Hours, or the Liturgy of the Hours are ancient practices in which people of faith take pauses in their days in order to devote themselves to prayer. In this practice, not only do we incorporate prayer into our day, but we also engage in a larger movement of the faithful to pray collectively.
Praying the Hours connects us as a church to the greater cloud of witnesses around the world. Praying on the hour reminds us that our prayers are not alone and that we can join the chorus of conversation with the Lord that happens all around us.
Learn more about prayer practices.Feel free to pray as you remember, to set an alarm each hour or find a way that works for you to engage prayerfully on Election Day. What follows is simply a guide, allowing you to focus your thoughts and prayers throughout the day. I pray it is a helpful tool for you to engage as an individual or as a congregation during this stressful time.
5 a.m.: Pray over the day in general. Pray for good weather, safe travels for those headed to the polls and clear minds for all involved in the day.
6 a.m.: Pray for poll workers, election officials and all of the volunteers that make the democratic process possible. Pray for their safety, for joy over their day and thank God for these civil servants.
7 a.m.: Pray for campaign staff, donors and volunteers who have made sacrifices for their campaigns, whether time, money or energy. When most attention is focused on the candidates, pray that these people feel seen, valued and proud of their work.
8 a.m.: Pray for the candidates who are on the ballot. Lift up their peace throughout the day, their rest knowing they have done what they can, and their mental and spiritual preparation for the outcomes of the day. Ask that they be able to breathe deeply as voters engage in democracy.
9 a.m.: Pray for those who cannot vote. We know that policies and politicians affect them as well, whether because of age, immigration status or standing with the judicial system. Pray for ease within their spirits and pray for leaders who will protect them and value their voices. Lord, empower voters to cast their ballots with these folks in mind.
10 a.m.: Pray for those most vulnerable in our society, the ones most affected by the outcomes of an election. Lift up those without housing, those living in poverty, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ siblings, immigrants and any other folks on the margins that pull at your heart.
11 a.m.: Pray for families and friends who politically disagree. Ask God to grant them the courage to hear one another out, the strength to treat one another with kindness, and the hope that they can continue in formative relationship with one another, despite today’s outcomes. Lord, remind us all that we are far more alike than different.
12 p.m.: Pray for those who are voting today for the first time. Ask that they vote with hope, courage and excitement. Ask that they have prayerfully considered and discerned the call to civic engagement.
1 p.m.: Pray for those who are ending their time in office during this election cycle, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Ask that God grant them peace, rest and meaningful work outside of their political careers.
2 p.m.: Pray for the those on the “right.” Ask God for leaders who promote peace, restore dignity and demonstrate empathy.
3 p.m.: Pray for those on the “left.” Ask God for leaders who promote peace, restore dignity and demonstrate empathy.
4 p.m.: Pray for those who have great anxiety surrounding this day and the outcomes. God, we know you are our comfort in times of trouble, and we humbly ask that your presence be made known to those who need comfort this day.
5 p.m.: Pray for those running in races other than the presidency. Democracy relies on these people just as much as the President. Pray that these folks feel seen and valued, and that they are good examples of empathy and care for their specific communities.
6 p.m.: Pray for those who are some of the last in line to vote. Ask that they are granted patience and perseverance as they engage, and pray that they are able to successfully cast their ballots.
7 p.m.: Pray for those who voted early or absentee, who have been patiently waiting for this day to see their vote counted. Thank God for their engagement as well as the engagement of those who voted today.
8 p.m.: Pray for those who work in journalism and the media. Ask that they report with grace and truth, representing with accuracy the decisions of the American people, and that they are granted safety and integrity in the midst of deep contention.
9 p.m.: Pray for leaders worldwide, that they lead with truth and justice. God, we ask for cooperation and good spirits among nations, and ask that our new leaders will be models of love and peace.
10 p.m.: Pray for all of those who will be appointed in this new presidency. Ask that quality leaders are appointed and that they stand for what is best for the American people, not their own political party or loyalties.
11 p.m.: Pray for reconciliation. Lord, in times of divisiveness, you call us to unity. Lead us in the way we should go, and guide us into connection, honesty and community.
12 a.m.: Pray for peace. God, we seek honesty and acceptance, and for fairness and justice to win always. May we place our hopes in you over any political figure.
The Rev. Hope Cody Peppers is a Provisional Deacon in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference and currently serves in North Georgia. She is passionate about the intersections of faith, politics and justice, and currently serves as the Church Engagement Associate at Wellroot Family Services. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Alex.
The contact for this story is Laura Buchanan. This story was published on October 22, 2024.
