In these tumultuous times, it seems that politics affects our day-to-day lives more than ever.

International affairs in our government dictates where our troops are heading, there are huge changes concerning healthcare and the employment rate still hasn’t reached the point that many people were hoping to see. Many people are still facing economic hardships in this declining economy, and it can be difficult to find empathy for those in authority in the government.

While it can be easy to turn the blame on the politicians, it’s important to understand that those in power are just human beings themselves. While they may not be making the exact choices you would hope to see in a government official, it is important not to put your energy toward hate or anger.

Things like writing to your congressman or woman about a particular issue you think needs to be addressed can be a great way to give yourself a voice and hope to see change.

However, many people don’t really feel that one voice can make much of a difference. Oftentimes, those letters go unwritten and instead, there might be letters filled with anger or even a lack of involvement altogether. Many people distance themselves from politics due to the frustration they feel about what is going on in the government.

However, there is something you can do to help support your government officials, and that is to pray. A huge misconception about prayer is that it should only be used on those less fortunate than others.

With many government officials making exorbitant salaries and holding powerful positions, it can be hard to view them as less fortunate or in need of prayer. However, prayer is not just about lifting someone up for financial gain. Praying for your government officials can be a way to help lift them up spiritually.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. —1 Timothy 2:1-3

While prayer usually comes easily for friends and family, it doesn’t generally come naturally to pray for those in power or even those who we do not know personally. However, using prayer to help government officials see clearly, fight temptations of corruption and strive to bring about peaceful resolutions is a way to lend your prayer towards a higher purpose.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. —Philippians 4:6

Understanding that government officials are subject to temptations just like the rest of us is an important step toward empathizing with their position. Those in power undertake the added stresses of decision making that not only affect their lives, but ours as citizens of this nation.

It’s important to support our leaders, especially through prayer. While you may not be aligned with some of their political stances on certain subjects, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they should be without your support in prayer.

On the contrary, there are quite a few actions taken on by government officials that have become controversial by many. However, your part as a Christian is not to judge, but to pray for others, even if they may not agree with your views. Keeping your faith is about hoping others will see the error in their ways, serve our country in the best way possible and live dutifully under the Lord.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. —2 Corinthians 5:10

While it is not our right to judge others upon their actions, the actions taken on by government officials can affect our daily lives. Prayer for your government officials can help them to make better choices in their role in power and can make an overall difference in how our nation thrives.