Join Karen Marsh and TH friends for a brief community time of prayer for our Election over Zoom.

Election Day Litany

(from the Transforming Center)

PREPARATION

On this election day, we come together (virtually) to pray, guided by this simple litany. This time of prayer will last about 15 minutes. As you settle in, you may wish to light a candle and collect a paper and pen to write down your personal prayers and thoughts. Remember that we come together in the spirit of Christ, honoring and respecting one another present here with all kindness. Harsh words have no place here.

ELECTION LITURGY

Light A Candle

Song

Heaven Help Us
written by Kirk Bolen (TC15)

Heaven help us, God come near us
Do what only you can do
Heaven help us, Father hear us
We’re crying out to you

Falling on our knees, we lift our eyes
to where our help comes from
Calling on your name, Lord, hear our cries
pour out your perfect love

Opening Scripture | Philippians 4:5-7 (NRSV)

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Silence  (3 to 5 minutes)

Surrendering Our Fears | Scripture

Take turns to write down — on paper or in the chat — the fears and concerns you are holding at this moment.  After you name these, hold them quietly in God’s presence reminding yourself that God is bigger than any fear, any burden, any obstacle, any division, any disunity, any hatred, and any lie. If it helps, sit with your hands open on your lap as a symbol of holding these concerns in God’s presence.  Whatever you are experiencing, God can handle it.  You can also wish to take the fears/burdens that you have written on a piece of paper and and gently shred them as you hear the words of Scripture being read.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NRSV)
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

1 Peter 5:7 (NRSV)
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

Prayers of the People

As we pray as a group, we may choose to alternate speakers, taking turns serving as the reader identified as “one”.

One: O God of justice and peace, in this season of Ordinary time, we pause to reflect on the extraordinary call You place upon our lives to be faithful witnesses in all we do.

All: As we approach the time of decision in our nation, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Help us discern what is right and just.

One: Help us engage with a spirit of love and humility.

All: May our participation in the civic process be a reflection of our commitment to Your Kingdom, where righteousness and equity dwell.

One: We remember the sacrifices of those who came before us, who fought for the rights and freedoms we now hold.  May their courage inspire us to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring that these rights are protected for all.

All: Let our voting be an act of faithfulness, not only to our beliefs but also to the future generations who will inherit the decisions we make today.  Strengthen our resolve to work for a society that mirrors Your compassion, justice and peace.

One: As we prepare our hearts and minds to engage in this civic duty, remind us that our actions are a testament to the faith we profess.  May we be instruments of Your peace in our communities, advocating for justice and mercy with every step we take.

All: Guide our nation, O Lord, and help us be Your hands and feet in this world, committed to building a future that honors You and uplifts all of Your children.  Amen.

Silence (3 to 5 minutes)

Poem

“Democracy”
Langston Hughes

Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.

I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.

I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.

Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.

I live here, too.
I want freedom
Just as you.

Blessing

(To be read together in unison.)

God, You are Mighty and Merciful. We are grateful for the right to vote, and we will not take it for granted.
Empower us to prepare our hearts to vote in a way that reflects Your justice, peace and compassion.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Encourage One Another

It is a strength for all of us to know that we are praying together across the country and around the world. Share this litany on to others….

And make time for thanks and praise!

1 Adapted from Sacred Votes: A Guide to Election Participation, Justice and Social Transformation. https://www.umcjustice.org/documents/336.  30-35.