Fifty Days of Prayer for the National Election 2012 – Day 24

Day 24 October 11th
Focus: Vice Presidential Debates Tonight 
Most Christians agree that the Lord was powerfully present in the last debate. 67 million people listened in, hearing both candidates present their cases, unfiltered by the moderator. Pray that God will allow another opportunity for the American public to discern the stark differences in the candidates and their platforms. Pray that “spin”, personal attack, canned (and shallow) talking points, deceit, false promises, and a re-writing of history will be evident and discarded by the American viewership. 
· Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for President (and his vice-president) and would guide them in these debates and the remaining days of the election. 
“Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. (2 Kings 13:16) 
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. (1 Sam. 16: 13) 
· Pray that the man of God’s choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacles during these debates or difficulties during the remainder of the campaign. 
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14: 27) 
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4: 7)
 · Pray that the Lord’s choice for President and Vice President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor. 12: 9)
 …being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, (Col. 1: 11) 
Almighty God,
We pray again for members of the media and the political pundits who will be analyzing tonight’s debate and framing the results. These people have a powerful and often reckless influence on helping us form our opinions. Satan has darkened the understanding, perverted the desires, and enslaved the wills of people so that many of the problems that need to be solved in our nation are very complex. Some needs have existed for so long that they seem impossible to change. Some people are so resistant to Your will, so hardened in their sins, and so bound by Satan that there is tremendous prayer struggle in envisioning and believing for Your answers. Satan will not give up his strongholds without strong resistance and spiritual battle. He is not only insolent and inveterate in his hatred of You and man, but he is full of wrath at his repeated defeats by the prayer offensives of Your children. May we commit to pray! 
We are so grateful that You can and will coordinate circumstances; You can bring pressure on people until they become willing to do what You want. You know the perfect time to get maximum results for Your purposes. You tell us to stand and watch what You will do. May tonight be one of those divine occasions for Your people to stand united in prayer, beseeching You for the outcome that will give You glory and honor and will advance Your kingdom in this nation and world. 
The two candidates have spent a great deal of time preparing for this debate. They have practiced their words and studied the possible arguments of their opponents. We pray You will step in and control this debate. The outcome we need is the further establishment of truth. You are the One who nullifies and frustrates the plans of peoples. (Ps. 33: 10) You are the One Who finds evils plans to be an abomination. To You, the words of the pure are pleasing. (Prov. 15: 26) 
We pray for the vice-presidential candidate You have chosen to represent America. Tonight before he appears, may he spend time with You in prayer. Then, as he explains and argues and rebuts, may he acknowledge that the plans of the heart belong to man, but from the Lord comes the wise answer of the tongue. The mind of man plans his way, but is the LORD Who directs his steps. If he commits his works to the Lord, his plans will be established. (Prov. 16: 1, 3, 21) Before the vice-presidential candidate You have chosen to represent the American people even steps out on the stage, may he say in his heart, “ I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own, that we’re not able to direct our paths.” (Jer. 10: 23) And, “the steps of a good man are directed and established by the LORD and He delights in his way.” (Ps. 37: 23) Give him courage to speak truth, and may the words of his mouth be acceptable to You. (Ps. 19: 14) Open wide his mouth and fill it. (Ps. 81: 10) May his mouth speak what is true, may his lips detest wickedness. (Prov. 8: 7)
We pray that when this debate is over, that it will be evident to most Americans that Your man’s words were deep waters, the fountain of wisdom a rushing stream. (Prov. 18: 4) Make his mouth like a sharpened sword, and in the shadow of Your hand, hide and protect him; make him into a polished arrow and conceal him in Your quiver. (Isaiah 49: 2) Once You spoke in a vision, to Your faithful people You said: “I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have raised up a young man from among the people. I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.” (Psalm 89: 18-20) We pray for another David – a man after God’s own heart. (1 Sam. 13: 14)
Again we pray for truth to prevail during these final weeks. We pray for courageous leaders. Give them the right words and may the people have open ears to hear truth. May Your Church arise and cast out fear! We pray for an increase from 25% of Christians voting to all of Your people voting. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. (Col. 2: 4)
“The great pillars of all government and of social life are virtue, morality and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.”  (Patrick Henry, Patriot Leader in the American Revolution; Governor of Virginia)
We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work, do ordain and establish this constitution. (Preamble to the Constitution of Mississippi)