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By Jack Krayenhoff
CAN prayer actually affect the results of an election?
“Definitely,” says Tim Schindel of Leading
Influence Ministries.
“Look at what happened in Saskatchewan in 2007.
A ministry similar to ours mobilized prayer for the elections there,
and now there are 15 Christian MLAs, a Christian premier and a Christian
Speaker of the House – who leads a weekly prayer meeting for MLAs,
and also has invited a prayer ministry similar to our own to be at the
House twice a week to pray, while it is conducting its business.”
Schindel sees more than just spiritual benefits
resulting from the initiative in Saskatchewan. “Look how the economy
is booming: oil companies moving in, diamond mines, best grain harvest in
years.”
He adds, citing a familiar scripture: “We
shouldn’t be surprised, for God promises in 2 Chronicles 7:14 –
‘If my people will pray, etc., I will heal their land.’ A
country’s prosperity depends on God’s blessing.”
Schindel , whose ministry is to serve elected officials
by providing chaplaincy services, feels strongly that the church has
neglected the scriptural mandate to pray for leaders and politicians.
“As a result, government has lost its moral
compass and commitment to righteousness,” he says. But now Schindel
hopes to make up for this neglect by mobilizing Christians to pray for this
month’s municipal elections.
What should Christians pray for, during the campaign?
“That God will accomplish his will through the
government that will be elected.”
But which party is most likely to achieve that?
“In the U.S., Christians decide that by the
answer to two questions: ‘Will they oppose abortion and will they
oppose gay marriage?’ I am not comfortable with that. It forgets to
consider such issues as justice, care for the poor and much more.
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“Here in Canada, all parties have something a
Christian can approve of: the Conservatives support the family; the
Liberals are welcoming and inclusive; the NDP was born in church basements
and looks out for the underdogs; and the Greens are fulfilling God’s
mandate to take good care of his creation.”
So how should Christians vote?
“If you pray for his guidance on that, I think
God will give it. You may decide on the basis of a party platform that best
fits your understanding of God’s design. It may be that the integrity
of a candidate in your riding qualifies him over his competitors. In the
ideal society, people of different parties and different perspectives sit
around the table and arrive at the best solution.”
Schindel’s group is leading a prayer rally
November 2, starting 6:30 pm in Victoria’s First Church of the
Nazarene, to focus on municipal elections.
To participate in ongoing prayer during the election
campaign, contact: praybc.com.
November 2008
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