There have been numerous calls to pray for the upcoming election—and with good reason. Will God use our next president to bring judgment to America or spur revival?

Some Christians say God is already bringing judgment. They believe that God, as a righteous God, must necessarily judge our nation for our sins and our rejection of His moral law.

Other Christians see signs of revival springing up in the church and indicators of a third great awakening. And with that hope they have launched national prayer networks, enlisting hundreds of thousands of Christians to join in daily prayer for our nation and for the coming election.

In 1 Thessalonian 5:16-18 Paul says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  This should be our daily intention. Regardless of the outcome of the election, God is still on His throne, and He will never leave us or forsake us. Whatever the results of the upcoming election, we should “seek the welfare of the city” where God has sent us, stay engaged in the culture, and bring the salt and light of God’s Word to every corner of society.

In May, when he announced his plan to travel across America to hold prayer rallies in every state, Franklin Graham shared a vision that is very consistent with what Dr. Kennedy preached and taught:

Friends, America is in trouble. At age 62, I’ve lived long enough to learn that no political party or politician is the answer. The only hope for this country is Almighty God and His Son. We can’t sit idly by any longer. LGBT activists, abortion rights advocates, aggressive atheist groups, and others who ignore God’s Word are trying to shove their agenda down our throats. We need to take every opportunity to speak up for biblical standards and let our lights shine. We need to work to preserve our religious freedoms so that we can continue to proclaim the Gospel freely. If we as Christians stand together and let our voice be heard, I believe God can use us to make a difference. I hope you will start praying with us now.                                                                                                                                                    

Likewise, Dr. Al Mohler, who credits Dr. Kennedy as being a major influence in his development as a Christian, has written “Ten Things To Pray for America on Election Day,” noting that beyond our having the responsibility as Christians to vote, we also bear responsibility to pray for our nation. Among the ten things he says we should pray for is the prayer “that God will bless America with leaders better than we deserve.” Also, he exhorts Christians to pray that “this election would lead to even greater opportunities to preach the Gospel, and that the freedom of the church will be respected, honored, and protected,” and that “Americans will be prepared to accept the results of the election with respect and kindness.”

The latter petition may be the one that is most difficult for many to pray. Passions have run high during this campaign and feelings are intense; great antipathy has been expressed toward both of the presidential candidates.

Yet, even as we continue to pray faithfully for the upcoming election, we should also look beyond it. The only true hope for our nation is revival and a spiritual awakening. And we should not slacken in the intensity of our prayers for God to bring that to pass.

At one point Dr. Kennedy said he saw the scales being tipped in America toward a period of greater Christian influence. In his sermon, “The Church in the Twenty-First Century” he declared:

I believe in the 21^st century, evangelical Christians will be the dominant force in elections in this nation. Those who would flaunt their disregard for moral and ethical positions will find it increasingly difficult, and, finally, impossible to be elected to high office in this nation.

That prediction has yet to be fulfilled. However, if the church will rise up and assume the spiritual authority it rightfully has in Jesus Christ to proclaim His authority over every aspect of human existence, Dr. Kennedy’s vision may yet come to pass.

It is possible that this coming election will, in fact, be a watershed moment in which many Christians in America will finally realize the urgency of the times and shake off their lethargy. With that realization, they may assume, what Dr. Kennedy called, “their privilege and their holy and godly responsibility to not merely be spectators in the pews, but to be active participants in the life of the building of the kingdom of God throughout this world.”

God willing, that could, indeed, restore America to its true foundations.