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Intention

To ask God for wisdom to distinguish what’s true and good from what is false and evil, so that we can righteously participate in the governance of our nation.

Scripture

“‘Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in my father David’s place, even though I am only a young man and am inexperienced. Your servant stands among your chosen people; they are a great nation that is too numerous to count or number.

“‘So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours.’

“The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request.”

– 1 Kings 3:7–10

Reflection

Before I was old enough to vote or consider applying this verse to the heavenly citizen’s role in democratic governments, I remember noting how impressed God was with Solomon’s request for wisdom.

I wanted to please God with the same sincere prayer.

I’ve noted more recently that King Solomon wasn’t merely asking for general wisdom for life. He was specifically seeking wisdom for his role in ensuring righteous governance for the nation.

As citizens in a democracy (a nation ruled by the majority of voting people), we, too, have a part in the governance of our nation. This should be approached as an awesome responsibility entirely dependent on God’s guidance to distinguish what is right and good from what is wrong and evil.

Specialising in Christian voter education, I have the opportunity to meet countless Christians who feel overwhelmed by the difficulty of understanding the intricacies of our political system, how preferences work and how positive change is achieved.

What encouragement for us all to know Solomon completely related to that feeling! In the original Hebrew, 20-year-old Solomon described to God that he felt like a boy who didn’t know where to come in or out.

The globally renowned King Solomon humbly relied on the wisdom of Almighty God to judge right from wrong for his nation.

Following Solomon’s example, how much more should Christians with the heavy responsibility of voting take seriously the wisdom God offers?

How much more diligently should pulpits preach about political issues from the wisdom God has already published in His Word?

I do not doubt that the vast majority of Bible-believing Christians don’t want just to be told which politicians they should vote for by any pulpit. Yet, they still crave scriptural instruction on the Bible’s authority and wisdom about the issues being debated (or neglected) in society.

Respected Swiss theologian Karl Barth said, “Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”

The Word of God made alive by God’s Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2) gives Christian voters the ability to discern which issues to prioritise. The same Word and Spirit of God enable us to know what’s true and good in a society constantly debating and regulating justice, morality, and truth.

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Prayer

Almighty God, You have given Your servant the right to influence the laws, justice and welfare of this great nation where You have sovereignly placed me, even though I am overwhelmed by my own inexperience and the awesome responsibility of democracy.

So, give me an understanding heart and discerning mind so I can make political judgements and decisions for this great nation once forged in humble reliance on Your blessing. Without Your wisdom, Almighty God, no one is able to make political decisions for Australia.

Amen.

Author Bio

Dave Pellowe is a Christian political educator and writer who gives priority of philosophy to God’s Word. He founded Church and State Ministries in 2016, which has grown to include annual teaching conferences in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and regional Australia by invitation. His blog and newsletter, The Good Sauce, features frequent articles by leading thinkers about debated issues and hundreds of his own.

Prayer Points and Purpose for Turn the Tide 2025

1. A righteous government that upholds truth and Christian values. 1 Timothy 2:1–4

2. Wisdom for voters to perceive the true agenda of political parties. Proverbs 14:15

3. A church that disciples the nation in this window of grace. Matthew 28:18–20

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