An Election Day Blessing

“Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” – Romans 14:19

We pray to you God.

The one who names us, claims us, and knows us as beloved.

On this day of fervent passion, hope, despair, and possibility

May we be reminded of things that make for peace.

On this day of narratives ripe with “us” and “them”

May we be attentive to the things that draw us into mutual belonging.

On this day of joy and sorrow

May we have the courage to choose peace.

On this day, On this day, On this day,

May we vote.

May we vote with the hungry child in our mind.

May we vote with the single parent in our heart.

May we vote with our LGBTQ+ friend in our consciousness.

May we vote with our marginalized and oppressed neighbor in our soul.

More so God, may we vote for that which makes for peace.

May we vote for that which will draw us into mutual upbuilding and belonging.

On this day God,

May we find the prophetic courage to proclaim the Spirit of Lord.

May we stand up, show up, and vote on the side of the poor.

May we stand up, show up, and vote to release the captive.

May we stand up, show up, and vote to give voice and sight to those on the margins of society.

May we stand up, show up, and proclaim the year of our Lord.

So, on this day,

May we be blessed with hope in spite of our fear.

On this day,

May we be blessed with joy in spite of our sorrow.

On this day,

May we be blessed by the things which make for peace and mutual upbuilding.

Amen.

Photo by Josh Carter on Unsplash