Pray before you vote

Around election time, cynics often quip that the best way to help your preferred party win is to “vote early and often”. But for Christians, a more fitting motto would be to “pray early and often”. In 1 Timothy 2:1–6, Paul urges believers to make prayer a priority, especially in relation to those in authority over us. With our state election on Saturday, we have a great opportunity to not only vote, but to bring the whole voting process to our good and powerful God in prayer.

Here are three simple reminders from this passage about how we can pray this week:

1. Pray first

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority …" - 1 Timothy 2:1–2

Before you even begin to think about parties or policies, start first with prayer. Thank God for the freedom we enjoy in Australia to vote in a truly democratic election. Pray for a fair and honest election process. Pray for every candidate seeking election that they would genuinely seek the common good, rather than self-interest or party politics. Pray that we would get the leaders we need (not deserve) as a state.

Then pray about your vote. This isn’t just a well-meaning platitude. It’s the necessary spiritual posture for our decision-making. Our allegiance ultimately isn’t to any political party, it’s to the Lord Jesus. Pray that the wisdom of God’s word and the work of the Spirit, rather than your natural preferences, would guide your heart and mind, as you weigh up all the candidates and policies before you.¹

When we pray first, we invite God to not only shape the outcome of our election, but our hearts and minds as we engage in it.

2. Pray for peaceful & quiet lives

“… that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” - 1 Timothy 2:2

God calls us to pray for all those in authority, including our soon to be elected leaders, so that … we may live ‘peaceful and quiet lives’. The most basic outcome of a good government is peace, namely freedom from war, violence and civil unrest. It’s within this environment of stability that churches can thrive as communities of ‘godliness and holiness’, i.e. that reflect the loving character of God (godliness) as they are set apart for him in the world (holiness). The more we live surprising lives as followers of Jesus, the more people will see how we are different, and the more they will want to know why.

3. Pray for people to be saved

“This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 2:3–4

God’s deepest desire for our state isn't simply stability. It’s salvation. Election results matter. Eternity matters more. So, as you pray for this election, pray that the outcome would enable the gospel to be proclaimed freely and widely in our state. Pray that every church would have opportunities to speak about Jesus in all our communities. Pray that this would bring many Tasmanians to know the saving truth of the gospel: that our ultimate hope isn’t secured by a ‘good’ government. It’s secured by the perfect mediator between God and humanity:

“Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (1 Timothy 2:6).

Let’s seek to shape this election not just with our votes, but with our prayers. Pray first. Pray for peaceful and quiet lives. Pray for people to be saved.

Yours in Christ,
Mark Barry

Assistant Minister
Outreach & Community Connections

14 July 2025

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[1] If you want an outline of the policies of the parities and candidates, the Tas Votes website is a helpful place to begin: www.tasvotes.org.au