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Brothers & Sisters,
The election season has reached its final day. According to national polls, whoever wins the presidential election, there will be an evenly divided reaction across our country - half will feel relieved and half will feel disappointed. Regardless of the outcome two things will not change for apprentices of Jesus:
- The conviction that elections are important, but that Christian hope is not dependent on their outcomes. "Our hope is built on nothing less" than the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
- The calling of apprentices of Jesus to continue his ministry on earth. We will continue to go to work, love our spouses, raise our children, follow the 10 commandments, help our neighbors and share God’s love in as many ways as we can.
On this election day, I invite you to look with me to scripture to guide us. Long ago, in a different political environment, the Apostle Paul shared divine guidance with young Timothy:
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-4
In the spirit of Paul’s instruction, I would like to offer a prayer for new leaders and our shared political life:
"Almighty God, you govern the universe and you number our days. All governing bodies and nations rise and fall under your sovereign reign. We invite your divine intervention into in the political life and leadership of our country.
We ask now that you bless the next president, vice president and their families and all who are elected to serve in national, state & local offices. Grant them your divine guidance and wisdom. Protect them from those who would do them harm. Lend them your strength for the enormous burdens they will carry. Surround them with people of character and knowledge to advise them. Inspire them to develop laws that reflect your justice and compassion. Guide them to speak and act with honesty and integrity at all times. Give them humility to admit when they are wrong and courage to repent toward what is right. Grant them a cooperative spirit to work for the good of all Americans. Instruct them to lay aside private interests and to view their positions as a sacred trust to serve the common good.
As your Church, we give you thanks for the freedoms and privileges we enjoy in the United States to participate in electing our leaders. By Your strong and steady hand, guide us during anxious times. Fill us with love for our neighbors, compassion for the least among us and goodwill toward those with whom we disagree. By your Spirit, enable us to live as Salt & Light.
We offer this prayer in the name of the One who is our Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Prince of Peace - Jesus Christ our King. Amen."
With hope,
Pastor Nathan
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