Praying about the Election

What an Election season!  It’s almost over.  However it comes out, we’ll all feel some relief, won’t we?  Meantime, during this coming week, we can do something important.  Pray.

A few weeks ago, my Bishop, the Right Rev. Lawrence Provenzano of Long Island, issued a formal statement requesting all members of this Diocese to offer daily prayer during the “octave” between November 1 and November 8.  His solemn letter, published on October 10, calls for “those who are able in each parish to use this time for fasting, abstinence and deliberate prayer, and to make use of all the resources our faith provides us to refocus on God's will and purpose.”

Then, last week, on October 26, all of the Bishops in Indiana issued a relevant and helpful press release.  These bishops include the current Bishop of Northern Indiana, two retired Bishops of Northern Indiana, the current Bishop of Indianapolis, and the Lutheran Bishop of Indiana and Kentucky, ELCA.  Their joint press release also urges us to pray, and they quote the Prayer for Sound Government from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 and the Prayer for Responsible Citizenship from Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006, which follow here:

For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

And finally, 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. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer 1979, page 821

Responsible Citizenship

Lord, God, you call your people to honor those in authority. Help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors in local communities. Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Amen.

Evangelical Lutheran Worship 2006, page 77

In addition, we were also reminded recently about the Episcopal Church’s “Prayer for an Election”, copied here from the website of the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/EpiscopaliansVote.

Prayer for an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: 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.

Finally, perhaps an obvious statement.  It’s always important to vote.  But it seems more crucial than ever this time.  People are skeptical of the candidates, both of them, regardless of which side they are on.  Thus, we need to do our civic duty with more attention than ever.  Please do vote – and pray.

May God Bless the United States of America . . . . .