Election Day Prayers of the People

Noon devotion for Election Day

A reading from Ecclesiastes,

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

Today’s devotion is a time and space for us to pray, on this election day. 

The prayers shared today are from young and old, those connected to Trinity and those connected to other faith communities, those in our state, across our nation and around the world.  You may not connect with each prayer, but such is the way when we pray the prayers of all of God’s children. 

Each section will end with God of mercy, and your response is hold us in love. 

Let us pray,

We pray for those who will vote today and for those who have already cast ballots.

We give you thanks for the freedoms we are given to go to the polls today…

We hope that people vote for what they believe in and feel is right, and not what they feel pressured to vote for.

We pray that people head to the polls prayerfully – that they have looked at all the candidates and are not just bound to their own party. 

God of mercy, hold us in love.

Loving God, our hearts are heavy,

We pray for those who may feel overwhelmed and anxious about what is to come.

We pray that we do not judge others, for their political stances or their occupations. 

We are concerned with the reactions of either outcome... will it cause more anger/riots, fighting, violence, or will we accept the decision and try to live with it.

We worry about the future of and for our children.  It is something that tugs at us more than ever before.    We pray for our daughters, their lives and their futures. 

We pray for families, that they don’t write off concerns of others just because policies may not affect them directly.

We worry that we’ve made enemies of each other and that whichever candidate wins, there may be violence.  We hope that can see Jesus in each other and remember that each face we look into is a child of God. 

We pray for honest agendas. 

God of mercy, hold us in love.

We pray for peace and unity

For peace for the whole country.

For peace no matter what happens

May our Lord help our Nation come together in harmony and compassion for one another.

For peace in our community and peace in our hearts.

God purposely created us with differences and designed us to work together.  Whatever the outcome, help us overcome our divisions and work toward a nation of unity. 

That when the election is over that we remember we have more in common than we are different. That we remember the kind in humankind.

For the country and wise decisions for peace and unity, and calm – no matter what.  

That people may see the good in each other and move forward united.

That we can make it through this period in peace.

God of mercy, hold us in love.

We pray that all lives are valued

God, we are scared that some of our friends— Your Beloved children— will be physically, emotionally, and legislatively hurt regardless of the outcome of today. Protect them and wash over us with overwhelming peace.

Open our eyes to truly see how the actions of our government and communities can shape a person’s dignity. May we find reverence in each person’s humanity regardless of the value society places on them.

For LGBTQ folks. That their rights remain protected and that they feel safe and supported.

That we use our voices for those who feel voiceless.

That each one feels they have value. That each one feels they are deserving. That each one feels they can participate. That each one wants for the other to enjoy a life of fairness.

For all law enforcement.

For care givers and healthcare workers.

For the lives that are taken unjustly, due to their color, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs or status. 

Bring silence to the to the minds of those dealing with mental health issues, and not let this election unrest continue to be one more trigger that causes pain and suffering to those afflicted and to their families who are trying to support them.

Guide us to care for one another this day and into the future. 

God of mercy, hold us in love.

We pray for the care of God’s creation and all who inhabit it

That we vote for people who will help us take better care of the earth and make sure that people know that they shouldn’t litter.

We pray that leaders wish to serve others, work for the environment and lead with integrity and compassion for all.

We pray that even though one candidate will win, neither has a plan to save the world.  We pray that we are able to unify and work together towards God’s plan of salvation.

God of mercy, hold us in love.

 

We pray for healing and an end to violence. 

That regardless of the results of the election, that we all remember compassion and empathy for one another and that we treat others with kindness and look out for one another.

That whatever the outcome is, that everyone accepts it, without anger.  We long for no destructive behavior and please let us come together in peace and love for one another.

That no matter who wins, we can come together as a nation to work for the wellbeing of ALL of our citizens.

That those who are hurt and angry may find safe spaces to grieve the loss of a future they had envisioned.

We pray for patience.  

That the nation starts to heal and come together, creating unity instead of divisiveness.  That the president has the good of all in mind. 

For those suffering from COVID19 and its spread, it makes it hard to see friends. 

God of mercy, hold us in love.

We pray for the future…

For tolerance to listen to others views without violence; wisdom to express viewpoints of love, care, and compassion for ALL people; peaceful transition to the next term, no matter the outcome; no boasting or threats on either side; healing the division of our nation and end the divisiveness and hatred.

For a peaceful transition, no matter which way the election goes. This country it too divided and needs to come together no matter their political views.  May God watch over us all and keep us safe from harm, may God unite us as one and help to bring us together for the sake of our beautiful country.

That people stop politicizing everything.  People’s health, safety and well-being should not be a two-sided political debate.

That we all try to communicate better by first listening and being willing to compromise with each other and most importantly respect our differences.

We pray for kindness. 

We pray that those who are joyful may express these feelings with humility and understanding for those who are not.

May our new leader embody those same considerations and may we all give ourselves the time and space to feel all the feelings knowing how much we will always be loved.

For unification and acceptance. That no matter the outcome we remember that we are still one nation under God at our foundation and regardless of who wins.  We are not each other’s enemy.

That all may feel loved in the days and weeks that follow.

God of mercy, hold us in love. 

Together, let us pray as Jesus taught us,

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, forever and ever amen. 

Receive God’s blessing,

May you carry a look of grace and acceptance,

May your hands help others and be folded in prayer,

May your heart be filled with love,

May your feet walk towards those who are in need,

May your voice speak and live in truth,

And may the God of steadfastness and love keep you this day and all days, amen.