“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2a

Written by Rev. Brandon Durán

On Election Day, the tension we feel as a nation is heightened. As Christians we know we are called to love. This calling is put to the test when the political environment pushes us to pick a side and villainize the other. How do we choose to engage with love rather than avoiding topics fraught with triggers? Let us begin with prayer.

God encourages us to pray through our anxieties and to bring our hopes and concerns into the light of grace. Regardless of the outcome today, it is clear that we have a lot of work to do. Prayer is the foundation and the touchstone for our work. Prayer reminds us that we are unified in our devotion to God’s vision for the world. May the language of the Lord’s prayer guide us as we pray today, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Gracious God, Lord of heaven and earth, Prince of Peace, reign over our anxious nation and reign over our hearts. You see beyond the daily headlines. You are not susceptible to the narrative spin. In you there is no “other” for your grace draws us together and makes us whole.

We ask for eyes that are free from bias so that we might see each other as siblings in Christ, worthy of dignity. Give us compassionate hearts for those who suffer because of the fear and distrust that moves through people and policies. Help us understand the stories of those who have lived a creed, ethnicity, religion, or gender that is different than our experience.

On this election day we pray for discernment. May wisdom and humility guide our decisions. Help us better understand the issues, values, and histories that are intertwined with each vote. Thank you for today’s opportunity to add our voice. May our choices help create a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.

Holy One, we rejoice today that we are citizens of Your kingdom. May that make us all the more committed to being faithful citizens on earth. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.