First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As another election year is ramping up, may I pass along these prayers from Xavier University’s Jesuitrresource.org.
Almighty God, Ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive our shortcomings as a nation, purify our hearts to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders, and steadfastness to our people, and bring us at last to that fair city of peace whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, of which you are the designer and builder; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. – Woodrow Wilson
We give thanks for the democracy alive in our country and for the freedom to worship You. Help the elected government and all in positions of power and authority to govern wisely and for the common good of all. Help us all to recognize that humility and respect for democracy are characteristics which make this a beacon for stability and prosperity around the world – characteristics which should be upheld, as they were fought for by ancestors who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we too often take for granted today. – Adapted from British Prayer for Democracy
God, thank You for the men and women who serve our country in leadership roles and for their families. Please provide our leaders with reminders each day of why they decided to dedicate their lives to public service and use that commitment to encourage them. Give them peace when their work takes them away from their families. We also pray specifically for the wives, husbands, and children of our leaders. We ask that You draw near to them and give them the wisdom on how to best support one another while their loved one is away working. – Adapted from a prayer written by Samantha Urban Tarrant
Lord, please help us protect our elections which are the heart of our democracy. Guide us in our responsibilities as citizens that we may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for our common good. Ensure the faithful administration of our voting processes so that the rights of all may be protected. And in our thoughts and in our actions, help us to align ourselves with your justice and mercy and grace so that we might be a people at peace among ourselves. – Adapted from Episcopal Book of Common Prayer
“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3) Lord please give us the wisdom to see the damage being done to our democracy by those who would mislead, deflect, disrupt for the sake of disruption and power, and deny the humanity of others. Give us the courage to learn, witness, to speak up and out, to protect the right of all to vote and be heard. Help us to connect to our fellow citizens and commit to their well-being. Lord, help us renew and nurture our country’s ideal of liberty and justice for all. “And as we engage, defend, and rebuild may we trust in your mercy and justice, and follow your paths, committing our efforts to your wisdom and guidance.” (Proverbs 3:5-6; 16:3) Help us Lord to resist tyranny in all of its forms. – Author Unknown Lead us O Lord, through the divisive rhetoric, appeals to fear, misinformation, and other deceits of our political times. Help us to trust in you and follow your paths. Awaken us O Lord, to the world as it is and to our own role in its suffering. Help us to see the possibilities for peace and future prosperity for all. Create with us O Lord, a democracy and a country where all might thrive. Let us not be deceived or turned from your ways. Amen. – Author Unknown
Amen, indeed.
Peace,
Pastor Layne