For Election Day

 Last night, a group of us gathered for a Pre-Election Prayer Vigil. I want to share with you a scripture and the closing prayer from our gathering that you might pray it today. Praying for and with you this day and in the days to come.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

-Romans 12:9-21, NRSV

Almighty God who has given us an abundance of good things, set our feet about these shores, and called us to give an account for the work of our hands, we ask your blessings on this election.

Give hope to us, oh Lord, that these days are not unknown to you. 

As we powerfully proclaim that you are not a God of darkness and chaos, let us with steadfast hearts participate in this beautiful exercise of democracy.

Give love to us, oh Lord, as we deepen our need to love one another. 

Remind us that you, not our candidates, are the fount of all holiness. 

Let us recall with humility our own sins as we remember that all are welcome at your table. 

Open our hearts as we pray for those who will carry on the work of directing this country.

Give us mercy, oh Lord, to lose with dignity and win with compassion, remembering that all those on the ballot were made in your image. 

Let us rise again tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow with an urgency to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, shelter the traveler, comfort the sick, and set the captive free.

Lord, hear the prayers of all those gathered in voting booths, in precincts, in long lines, at ballot boxes. Keep them safe as you watch over all of us. We give you this day, and every day, to shelter and bless this country we love, in the name of Christ who first loved us; Amen.

-Adapted from a prayer by A.E. Graham (https://rabbitroom.com/2016/11/a-liturgy-for-election-day/)