In this election season there have been so many ads, so much name calling, so much division, and too many lies. It can wear on people and communities alike. My prayer for you, for us, for our nation, is that we can hold onto those important and deeply held ideas and values that drive our political thinking while also remembering the shared humanity of those who differ from us, even when those differences reach the level of insults and lies.
Prayer can be a powerful and meaningful practice to help us when we tense up, get frustrated, or feel disheartened. We can always turn to God with anything and everything that is going on in our life, lifting our cares and concerns in prayer. Prayer also offers us the opportunity to listen to God for how we might be called to engage important topics and situations in this heated political climate.
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
A prayer for during the Election:
Loving God, Lord of all, our hearts are weary with the anxiety, longevity, and divisiveness of this election season. As our country goes to the polls we pray for one another, for those who will vote the way we vote, and for those who will vote differently. We pray that we might all make our votes with love, good will, and a desire for a better tomorrow; for our families, our communities, our neighbors, and all the people who call these United States home.
Guide each of us who will vote by your Holy Spirit as we discern the candidates that we will vote for, lead us thoughtfully and lovingly to make the best decisions we can. Help our country not to be driven by hate, fear, or greed, but by love for one another and the pursuit of justice and peace for all. May those elected govern with humility, wisdom, and concern for those who voted for them, for their opponents, or not at all.
As we seek to uphold the truth, pursue justice and peace, and love our neighbors as ourselves help us to remember your divine image in each person, especially those whose political stances differ from our own. Ease our anxieties as we wait for the election results and move forward with our newly elected officials. Strengthen us for the work ahead as we recognize that there is more work to be done beyond the casting of our ballots.
Help us, in all things, to pursue your Kingdom, your Beloved Community, and may it come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
May the Peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all.
-Pastor Brian
Comentários