Our prayer focus is on our Virginia state elections. Election Day is November 7, but with early voting, our elections are well underway. Virginia is somewhat unique in that we have an election cycle each year. In the even years, we have federal elections, and this year being an odd year, we have state and local elections.

As we prepare ourselves to pray, we are reminded that the moral climate in America is deteriorating, and as the ensuing battle on the political landscape intensifies, it is no time for the church, the Body of Christ, to be passive. More and more of our citizens are now exchanging conviction for compromise and coming into agreement with secular humanism instead of remaining faithful to the Christian foundation that established and has sustained our nation for centuries.

Our vote is spiritually significant in that in our system of government our vote is how we register our consent. So keep yourself before the Lord and hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying.

God established civil government and delegates authority to mankind to accomplish His will on earth. He holds nations accountable for their collective actions. (2 Chr 20:6) O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!

Godly government should reflect Kingdom values. (Mt 6:10) May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

A CALL TO FAST

For years, we called believers to pray. We have seen the Lord answer many prayers. Now this month we are asking believers everywhere not only to pray but also to fast for the upcoming election. We are fasting from October 30th through November 6th. 

We know the Bible has much to say about fasting. Some of the great Bible saints who fasted were Moses, David, Elijah, Daniel, and of course, Jesus. Christians throughout time have understood the importance of fasting: Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, David Brainerd, and Charles Finney just to name a few.

In the sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught about giving, praying, and fasting. He did not say, “IF you fast”, he said “WHEN you fast.” Through Jesus’ words, we understand that giving, praying, and fasting are to be practiced among us as Christians. =

Fasting is talked about throughout the Bible, but in the book of Isaiah there is an entire chapter dedicated to fasting. Isaiah 58 teaches us the many benefits and blessings of fasting. In particular, fasting breaks the bands of wickedness, lifts off heavy burdens, lets the oppressed go free, and breaks every yoke. It also says, “your light will break forth as the morning, and your health will spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before the Lord, and the glory of the Lord shall be your reward.” What wonderful promises! 

Praying for and helping elect godly leaders in our state is necessary. However, we learn that fasting is the real key to breaking the power of evil that has bound our people. 

We understand that our duty and responsibility before God is to fast as much as we can to see the powers of wickedness broken. It may be a complete fast if we are able, or a partial fast. Possibly skipping a meal each day and spending that time in prayer rather than eating is a good option. Some may be unable to fast because of physical reasons, but we can certainly sacrifice some pleasure of food to see God do wonders among us. 

Let us all be followers of Christ and live by His example. If we are serious about seeing God do great things in Virginia, we need to not only be people of prayer, but also be people who fast for God’s Kingdom.