Election Day: A "Sacred Occasion"

Yesterday, I attended Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, New York*. Rector Stephen Muncie began his sermon with a sentiment I have often felt in these last weeks. As the media are now highlighting, the looming Election is a historic one. Depending on how it goes, we will elect either the first African-American President or the first woman Vice President. This fact makes this Election, even more than most, a "sacred occasion", Fr. Muncie asserted, a day "set apart" – for that is what "sacred" means.

So here, in recognition of the solemnity of this time, we try to set aside the media rancor and do what Christians might well do ahead of our particular quadrennial pilgrimage to the polling place and into the voting booth: pray.

For Our Country ~
Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought to this place out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Sound Government (conclusion) ~
. . . teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer
"Prayers & Thanksgivings", No's 18 & 22

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*A most special visit to Grace Church on the Commemoration of All Saints. This day is a Holy Day of the Church Year, moved at many churches from November 1 to the first Sunday of November. As we celebrate all the saints, we join in making new ones through Baptism. Yesterday, there were 11 children at Grace, including one Wyatt Oliver Crafton Walker. As Mom and Dad and the Godparents came forward with the baby, Father Muncie introduced the Special Guest who was present to perform this particular baptism, the baby's Grandmother. The congregation responded with spontaneous and warm applause, and nestled in Barbara Crafton's arms, young Wyatt became a Christian.