Good morning.
Today is Tuesday,
November 3,
2020.
Oh Lord,
Let my soul rise up to meet you as the day rises to meet the sun.
Glory to God,
The three in one,
Creator,
Redeemer,
And sustainer.
As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever.
Amen.
Today is election day in the United States.
And so we are going to pray the prayers for elections of the Episcopal Church,
Written by the Reverend Shannon Kelly.
Loving God,
Creator of this world who is our source of wisdom and understanding,
Watch over this nation during this time of election.
Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.
We give thanks for the right to vote.
Help us to hold this privilege with responsibility and care and the awareness it merits.
Realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.
Please repeat these words.
God,
Our creator,
Guide us in truth and love.
Guide us through this election as a nation,
State,
And community,
As we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on behalf of our communities.
Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so that it may reflect the values Christ taught us.
Help us create communities that will build your kingdom here on earth,
Communities that will protect the poor,
Stand up for the vulnerable,
Advocate for those who are not seen and heard,
And listen to everyone's voice.
Please repeat these words.
God,
Our creator,
Guide us in truth and love.
We pray for this nation that is deeply divided.
May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us,
To act justly,
Love mercy,
And walk humbly with you through creation.
Help us act out of love,
Mercy,
And justice rather than out of arrogance or fear.
Lord,
Continue to guide us as we work for the welfare of this world.
We pray for places that are torn by violence that they may know peace.
Please repeat these words.
God,
Our creator,
Guide us in truth and love.
We pray for communities who are struggling with inequality,
Unrest,
And fear.
May we all work toward reconciliation with one another and with God.
Help us to listen in love,
Work together in peace,
And collaborate with one another as we seek the betterment of our community and world.
Please repeat these words.
God,
Our creator,
Guide us in truth and love.
Almighty God,
To whom we must account for all our powers and privilege,
Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives,
That by faithful administration and wise laws the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
And now,
My friends,
May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ go with you wherever he may send you today.
May he guide you through the wilderness,
Protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
We are so in peace.
