Prayers For The Election

The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church has prayers for almost every occasion, including a prayer “For an Election.”

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

Guide the  people of the United States (or of this community) 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.

Since we will be electing our next President, this prayer “For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority” also is fitting:

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world:

We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace.

Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

And, after such a divisive campaign, it would be good to say a “For our Country” as well:

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage:

We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy 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 hither out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy 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 thee to fail;

all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Recent news from around the world reminds me of how blessed I am to live in a country where I can freely and fearlessly discuss politics, criticize our government, promote what I believe in, be friends with people who disagree with me, and cast a vote that will be counted (albeit under the strange math of the electoral college!).