A Prayer for the 2022 Mid-Term Elections

Gracious and loving God, you have bound us together in a common life. We commend ourselves, our communities, states, and country to your merciful care, that, being guided by your providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. 

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. Grant that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.

We thank you for women and men who offer themselves as public servants for the common good. Grant them grace and power to perform the work to which they are called. 

Fill them with the love of truth, justice, and righteousness. Give them courage and strength for the work set before them. Make them ever mindful of their calling to serve others in your fear; that by your grace and guidance they may defend the dignity and liberties of all persons, and lead us into becoming one united people.

Send down upon them the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people.

Bless and keep them, O Lord. Let your face shine upon them. Be gracious to them. Lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace. 

Guide the people of our country in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our communities, states, and country be enabled to fulfill your purposes.

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 country that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; all this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Image Credit: Photo by Cyrus Crossan on Unsplash