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Dear Friends in Christ,
If you feel anxious about the upcoming election, you are not alone. In my conversations, some people seek comfort, wanting assurance that God is with them. Others seek direction, some way to channel their anxiety into positive action. Whichever way you feel, here are some prayers you may find helpful in the coming weeks:
If you need comfort, try these prayers from The Book of Common Prayer.
Collect for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany
Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
At the beginning of the day (from Morning Prayer)
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At the end of the day (from Compline)
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
If you need direction, try these prayers from an Episcopal bishop and a Roman Catholic nun.
Prayer written by Bishop Deon Johnson, Diocese of Missouri
Lord, help me to wallow in my discomfort, stew in my unease, sit in my disquiet. Help me to see more clearly, hear more deeply and act more justly; that I might act more prayerfully and stand more justly. Not to ease my discomfort, but to seek solidarity. Lord, help me to wallow in my discomfort; through Jesus the Anointed One. Amen.
Blessing written by Sister Ruth Marlene Fox, OSB
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace. Amen.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
Your Friend in Christ,
The Rev. John Denson, D.Min.
Rector
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