Prayers For The 2016 Election

They say the more things change the more they stay the same, and reviewing past blog posts shows that to be true for me. I wanted to share prayers for the 2016 election and remembered writing a similar post in 2012. As I  re-read it, I was surprised at how every single word resonated with how I am feeling about this election. I do remember feeling angst over the 2012 election, but it was nothing compared to what I have been feeling about today.

When I’m feeling stressed over things that are beyond my control, I turn to prayer. There are several prayers from the Episcopalian Book of Common Prayer that are fitting for this momentous day. 

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.

Prayer For the President of the United States and
All in Civil Authority

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.

Prayer For Our Country

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.

I’m cautiously optimistic about the results of the election–and trusting that no matter the outcome we will continue our nation’s tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. Despite all the ugliness and vitriol of the past few months, I believe that we the people will rise above the issues that divide us and focus on what makes us the United States of America.

[Tweet “#Prayers for #Election2016”

And since I’m determined that will be the case, I’ll be linking up with Deb for the Wednesday Word.

Have you voted?

Are determined to ban all political discussions at your holiday gatherings?