Vote, Vote, Vote

 

“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.