Praying together for our election

(from the Transforming Center)

PREPARATION

During this election season, we encourage you to find a time to pray with friends and family, people from your church or small group, and maybe even your neighbors. We have prepared this short liturgy to guide you. Set aside 15 minutes for this time of prayer.  Sit in a circle (if praying with others) and light a candle.

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

Scripture Reading Philippians 4:5-7 (NRSV)

5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 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

Take turns saying out loud 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 write your fears/burdens on a piece of paper and then throw the paper into the trash as one of you reads the scriptures below.

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.

Prayer for Civic Engagement1

If praying as a group, consider alternating who reads the “one” lines as a way to have more voices represented, keeping in mind diversity of gender, ethnicity and/or age.

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

(Ask God for Wisdom. What action/s do you need to take before voting?  Are there any conversations you need to have?  Is there any research you need to do?  Ponder how your vote will impact your neighbors and our shared future.)

Poem

(A moment of reflection on democracy)

“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.

1. Leave a comment below with the state or country you will be praying in.  Please note your comment may not show up right away. Please refrain from making political statements.

2. Use the share buttons below to encourage others to join us in praying about our election.

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