Intercessors for America has created several helpful prayer guides that are pertinent to this election, which The Stream will be publishing intermittently over the next few weeks. Please make liberal use of them in your personal time between now and Nov. 5!

1. Personally pray that God would reveal the truth to you.

Scripture is clear. There is a structured authority of spiritual forces attempting to bring us into captivity. The power of God is more than able to protect us from these forces and to reveal the truth of circumstances to us. We can choose to cooperate with the work of the Spirit, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13).

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental (structured) spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

2. Pray for release from the spirits that desire to control.

As we pray for protection, individually and for our nation as a whole, let’s pray for release from the deceiving spiritual powers that are out to control us.

The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to bring down every deceptive fantasy and every imposing defense that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We even fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 PHILLIPS).

3. Fuel your mind with God’s truth that displaces deception.

The more familiar we are with God’s Word, the more we can instantly arm ourselves with truth when lies and deception come our way. Speak the truth. Proclaim the scriptures that defeat the lies and deception we see around us. There is power in proclaiming God’s Word aloud.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV) 

4. Fast and pray for our nation.

Daniel provides a great example for us as we pray for our nation. In Daniel 10:2, we read that he was greatly concerned about the nation he lived in, so he fasted and prayed. All through an extended period of prayer and fasting, he saw no results. Finally, though, he experienced a breakthrough, and an angel appeared to him:

… from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. … the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me, I was strengthened … (Daniel 10:12–13, 18-19)

This passage teaches a method of intercession for nations under spiritual oppression:

1. Set your heart to understand God’s ways.
2. Humble yourself before God.
3. Fast.
4. Pray with perseverance.
5. Receive strength from the Lord.

Intercessors for America informs, connects, and mobilizes a growing number of people to pray and fast for the nation. Since 1973, IFA has been speaking into governmental issues that are based on the Word of God. Its goal is not to be political, but to uphold biblical positions on issues facing our nation. For more information, visit IFApray.org.