“A
vote is a kind of prayer about the world we desire
for
ourselves and for our children.”
Sen.
Ralph Warnock
Dear Friends
It’s not too soon to begin praying and voting!
While I am proud to say publicly that I have voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for President and Vice President, and
Will Rollins for Congress, I am even prouder to share the
efforts of the Episcopal Church to help prepare us for the upcoming election
and its aftermath.
Among many other resources, The Rev. Shannon Kelley of
the Department of Faith Formation of the Episcopal Church has offered “Prayers
of the People for an Election” which I have attached below.
Further, while talking to the Dean of Washington
National Cathedral during our visit last Sunday, I learned about their plans
for vigils and prayer services on Election Day, the day after the
election and the day after the Inauguration next January. He has said, “Whether
voters choose Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, a large percentage of Americans
will feel anxious, upset or fearful. We
need to find a way to heal what divides us and prayer is an important part of
that healing process.”
For now, I offer this prayer from our Book of Common
Prayer:
Almighty God, to whom we must account for
all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the
election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and
wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to
fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After praying, get your souls to the polls (or take
your ballot to the post office!).
John
Prayers of the People for an Election
By Rev. Shannon Kelly, Department of Faith Formation,
The Episcopal Church
Intercessor: God our creator People:
Guide us in truth and love.
Loving God, creator of this world who is the source of
our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of
election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.
We give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to
hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it
merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.
Guide us through this election as a nation, state, and
community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of
our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will
better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ
taught us.
Help us create communities that will build your
kingdom here on earth – communities that will protect the poor, stand up for
the vulnerable, advocate for those who are not seen and heard, and listen to
everyone’s voice.
We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we
come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do – to
act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you through creation.
Help us act out of love, mercy and justice rather
than out of arrogance or fear.
Lord, continue to guide us as we work for the welfare
of this world. We pray for places that are torn by violence, that they may
know peace.
We pray for communities who are struggling with
inequality, unrest, and fear. May we all work toward reconciliation with one
another and with God.
Help us to listen in love, work together
in peace, and collaborate with one another as we seek the
betterment of our community and world.
Intercessor: God our creator People: Guide us in truth and love.
