The following liturgy and pledge were prepared after a conversation the vestry (the parish’s governing body) had about how we want to be toward one another in the time leading up to the 2020 presidential election and afterwards. The liturgy incorporates a theme expressed in my sermon, We Are Nineveh.
The vestry and clergy of St. Philip’s are taking the pledge and inviting others to do so too. For more information please go to the 2020 Election page on the St. Philip’s website.
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Uvalde, will pray the following liturgy each Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. CST and 8:00 p.m. CST on Facebook Live beginning October 7, 2020. Please feel free to join us, or to use (or adapt) the liturgy and pledge for your personal or community’s use.
A Liturgy For The 2020 Presidential Election
Jesus said, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Silence
Officiant O God, make speed to save us.
People O Lord, make haste to help us.
Officiant Let us pray
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession of Sin
The Officiant says
Let us confess our sins to God.
Silence may be kept.
Minister and People pray together
God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done,and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
The Priest says
Almighty God have mercy on you (us), forgive you (us) all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you (us) in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you (us) in eternal life. Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding form substitutes “us” for “you.”
Reflection on Scripture
Insert scripture text each week
Prayers
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of our president, 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.
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Donald, Melania, and the Trump family, that you would bless them, O Lord, and give them all the good things we want in our own lives and the lives of those we love.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
For Joe, Jill, and the Biden family, that you would bless them, O Lord, and give them all the good things we want in our own lives and the lives of those we love.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
For those with whom we disagree and are in conflict, with whom we struggle to understand and be in relationship, and from whom we are divided, that you would bless them, O Lord, and give them all the good things we want in our own lives and the lives of those we love.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Silent Reflection
Officiant For God alone my soul in silence waits; from him comes my salvation.
People He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
Silence
Officiant In God is my safety and my honor; God is my strong rock and my refuge.
People Put your trust in him always, O people, pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
People and Officiant,
Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy Name
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Officiant Let us bless the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Officiant concludes
The almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and keep us. Amen.
A Pledge To The 2020 Presidential Electorate
Preface
The Vestry of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church recently had a conversation about the upcoming presidential election. We discussed how we wanted to be toward one another regardless of our individual political beliefs, whether we are in agreement or disagreement, and regardless of who wins the election. The idea of taking a pledge came from that conversation.
This pledge is not necessarily a goal to be accomplished, but a way of being toward one another – a practice to be lived day to day.
Pledge
As a person of faith committed to the life and teachings of Jesus, I make this pledge to all people regardless of their political beliefs, whether we are in agreement or disagreement, and regardless of who wins the election.
With respect to my words and actions, whether in person or through social media, I pledge and commit myself, both before and after the election –
- To love others as Jesus has loved me (John 13:34);
- To treat others as I would want them to treat me (Luke 6:31);
- To love my enemies, do good to those who hate me, bless those who curse me, and pray for those who abuse me (Luke 6:27-28);
- To “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ” (Book of Common Prayer, 305); and
- To “strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being” (Book of Common Prayer, 305).
This I pledge in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
__________________________
Interrupting the Silence 
Sigh thank you. Praise God!
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Thank you. The liturgy is both beautiful and thoughtful, and your care for one another comes through. Today I watched a video on youtube called “if democracy had a sound it would be jazz.” It has some great thoughts about how to be in conversation and in difference, particularly in today’s highly polemicized political environment. I recommend having a look. Greetings and prayers from a follower in Australia, praying for you in all your struggles.
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Melissa, thank you for your comment, greetings and prayers. I appreciate you reading my blog and its good to hear from Australia. I watched the video and am glad you recommended it. The jazz analogy makes sense and is a good reminder that we really are in the same band.
I hope all is well for you. Peace be with you.
Mike+
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