PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN THE WEEK AHEAD

Holding Tuesday in the light of love

I don’t need to write about the potential for political violence this coming week, because I know everyone already feels it. I’ve never felt the whole country hold its breath the way we are doing now. Add to that the eclipse on Tuesday and the moment couldn’t feel more precarious.

Turning on television, you hear about this race or that, this conversation or that. But few are saying the quiet part out loud, allowing themselves to express the deeper sense of danger that’s in the air now. It’s not just the results of the election that are in question; it’s the election process itself. It’s hard to believe what we have descended to, but we have. And everyone knows it.

Photo by ABEL MARQUEZ

Tonight, I’m suggesting we pray. Whatever your practice or tradition, do some form of prayer for peace. See angels around every voting place, see election officials and voters safe, see Jesus or light or God Himself - whatever is true for you - blessing and protecting our country and our elections.

I hope this prayer contributes some harmony:

Dear God,

As we approach Election Day,

Bless our precious nation.

Forgive us our trespasses

And show mercy upon us all.

Teach us how to repair our country

And help us begin again.

May this election be safe for everyone,

And the results reflect the wisdom

You have placed within our hearts.

Amen