a prayer for election day


O Lord our truest Ruler and King, many words have been said these past months leading to this election day. Far too many of these words have been hurtful, fearful, divisive, angry, and anxious. Being able to see our nation’s policies so tangibly, it is far too easy to equate this nation with your Kingdom, and so act as if this election were of supreme eternal importance.

Lord, forgive us, we pray.

Bless the leaders of our land–those that have been and those that will be, after today–that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Let this be the conviction of every leader as they model for us, however imperfectly, political relations amongst both their fellow countrymen and citizens of the world.

Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties on this election day. May their hearts not be full of distraction and anxiety, but be gracious that they may continue their governance in peace, restfulness, and joy.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. However they feel these goals are accomplished politically, may the flourishing of all peoples in all places be the desire and goal of our leaders in their political endeavors.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human dignity may be safeguarded, election rights protected, and justice served. In the expected upcoming legal conflicts around this election, may your Will reign and may resignation to the results come quickly to our nation.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach us, Your people, to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. Whatever the vitriol, anger, and pain that may be expressed in the next several days or weeks to come, be gracious to your People, Lord, that they may not find themselves a party to the speech that can only rob life rather than sustain it.

Give us a vision of Your Sovereignty such that the results of this vote lead us neither to ultimate ecstasy nor utter despair. Rather, give us a sense of peace, and a commitment of support for whomever finds themselves winning today. May neither gloating nor despondency mark your People, Lord.

Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy.

For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. On account of the blood of Your exalted and raised Son, through whom we have received citizenship into the People of Heaven, and by the Power and Presence of Your Holy Spirit, we pray.

Amen.

Please feel free to offer your own prayers for today in the comments below. Please no politicking.

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One thought on “a prayer for election day

  1. Pingback: Okay, election: done. Time to get this blog back on track. [casual fri] | the long way home

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