Praying Together for the Elections

We are in the midst of this election season, and I am concerned as I suspect you are. The angry rhetoric on TV raises my blood pressure; the name calling and accusations on both sides break my heart. I’m conflicted by brothers and sisters in the faith who see things differently from how I see them. Consequently, I am making a list of things we all (Democrats, Republicans and independents) can pray for at this time. 

When I posted the question on Facebook I got a variety of answers. The following suggested prayers attempt to integrate my own thoughts with those contributed by friends. I would love for you to add to them, either by e-mailing me or commenting below. Above all, let's pray together regardless of political persuasion.

• God of wisdom, we desperately need discernment to see through the political ads and accusations that confront us daily and to perceive the motivations and consequences of what is being said. Our news sources are locked in a battle for viewers and struggling to separate newsworthy from shocking. Guide them to choose wisely what they report so that we will have the information we need to make wise decisions.

• God of all truth, evil people would manipulate our social media sites to sow dissension and hate among us and undermine our dearly bought freedoms. Help those with more technical expertise than I have to figure out the most effective ways to minimize their efforts and expose their destructive motivations. Holy Spirit, prompt users to pause and verify information before passing on shocking “facts” that may get lots of likes, but in fact make us tools of our enemies.
• Creator of the universe who sustains all life, grant that the logistics of balloting would run smoothly and not be corrupted by broken technology or deliberate cheating, but accurately reflect the votes of the people.
• You who are mindful of the lowly, raise up those who think their voice is insignificant, their vote doesn't matter, and inspire them to take seriously their responsibility to participate in our democracy,
• Faithful God, we long for leaders who keep faith with us, leaders of integrity on all levels of government who will be honest in their dealings with no reason to hide or cover up the truth. Please raise up candidates worthy of our trust.

• You who commanded us not to accept bribes, may our leaders not be controlled by large donors or powerful special interest groups, but committed to fairly representing their constituents of all races, beliefs and economic levels.
• God of love, may your people commit to really listen to the concerns of those on the other side of the political fence and seek to solve problems in ways that meet the needs of all. May we who name your Name not be guilty of calling our opponents “fools” (something you equate with the sin of murder), but treat our opponents with respect and human dignity. 
• Son of Man who came to serve rather than to be served, humble us. May we be ready to honestly examine our own positions and modify them if need be to work out solutions that are fair and just to our fellow-Americans and to our neighbors around the world. Give us leaders who will humbly admit the mistakes of their pasts and learn and grow in their understanding in the present.
• Lord of all, may our passion be for your will, your justice, your righteousness, your glory, your mercy and compassion and not merely for the platform of any human political party. Even as we seek to reconcile opponents, may we never be found to be lukewarm in our love for you or for people made in your image who will be affected by the policies we promote.

We and those we elect face many complicated issues in these days:

• Great Physician, give us wisdom to solve the health care problems of this country fairly and compassionately.
• Just and righteous Judge, give our judges courage to rule by the law and not by pressures from outside forces whether the press or the administration. Give our legislators wisdom to craft laws that promote justice and encourage all who call this country home to thrive.

• Hope of the Nations, show us just and compassionate ways to welcome the persecuted who come to us for refuge, while keeping out those who would prey upon us and abuse our liberties.

Heavenly Father, we come to you in humility confessing our past sins as a nation, asking your forgiveness and grace for the future. We cannot succeed in this great democratic experiment apart from you.