Prayer for This Country

Oh, dear Lord.  On this day after the presidential candidate debate, I am more disheartened than ever about the upcoming election and the future of this country.  Although we saw only the tail end of the debacle, it was a disaster.  In terms of presentation, the Democratic candidate clearly held her composure.  The Republican candidate did not.  In my reading today on various news sites, the country is more partisan than ever, and facts or truth make no difference in opinions.  This is a sad time for this country.  

I am reminded of a verse in Scripture: 

But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)

Amen, Lord!  Maranatha!  Come, Lord Jesus!

In the meantime, I also recall that You instruct us to pray for our governments.  

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

 So here I am, Lord, praying.  Please guide the course of this election to accomplish Your purposes, and please do not allow Your people, and me specifically, to lose sight of the overriding principles of Godly living--whether the government is Godly or not.  Fill me with love and dedication to prayer and most of all a commitment to Your kingdom of reconciliation.  In Jesus's name~~Amen.