A Liturgy from Praying the News
After an Election
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. For kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce… Multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
1 Timothy 2:1–2; Jeremiah 29:4–7 (ESV)
Ruler of All Nations,thank you for the privilege to live in a free societywith the opportunity andresponsibility of electing our leaders.Because of this great privilege and freedom,some of us woke up happy today, while others wrestlewith disappointment, discouragement, and even sorrow.
Equip the newly elected to serve wisely with integrity.Open their eyes to see their community’s needsand prioritize initiatives that leadto their people’s flourishing.May they not be distracted by trivialitiesor ensnared by sinful temptation toward selfish gain.Surround them with good and wise counselto guide them in times of troubletoward peaceful pastures,and to conduct themselves with abiding humilityin the face of opposition and challenges.
O God, these leaders do not govern in a vacuumbut tend to a people made in your imagewith unique trials, adversities,backgrounds, and beliefs.Tune them to be sensitive to these particularities,and to strive for the welfare of every constituent,without distinction or exception.Fill our community with mercy and justice,so that as law is enforced,cases are prosecuted,money is managed,and education is overseen,your kingdom is built and your people thrive.
Those disappointed with the election results might add:
Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor,I feel myself tempted toward a litany of emotions:fear, anger, confusion, despair, bitterness.They threaten to consume my thoughtsand dull my hope.Father, renew my strength and trust in you,knowing that nothing—not the outcomes of elections,the decisions of our lawmakers,or the actions of your people—surprises you or upsets your great plan.All of this you will redeem,for your glory and our good.
Those pleased with the election results might add:
Merciful Lord,even as I thank you and praise you,help me to rejoice in humility,remembering this earthly authority is not ultimate;all rulers are subject to and appointed by you,in your timing and for your purposes.
And when they fail me, O God,remind me in that momentwhy my hope can never be in earthly leaders—only you are worthy of my honor, glory, and worship.
If election results are contested, you might add:
Almighty Judge,only you truly know fact from fiction.Help officials recount and reviewwith impartiality and efficiency,and grow public trust in the fairness of the process.In this moment where it is so easy to feel heated,cynical, or skeptical,help us instead to release the results of this electioninto your trustworthy hands,knowing you are the arbiter of true justice.
Our Lord, keep both our own hearts,and the hearts of these political candidates.Humble us in our discourse;compel us to love our neighbor as Christ loved us,and teach us to trust you—not election outcomes—for our security.
Even as these political tides shift and leaders change,may we always remember:our home country is not this one,our true Leader does not hold an earthly office,our hope is in something greater.
Holy One, help us to live as exiles and ambassadors for you.Shape us into people who are quick to listen,slow to speak, and slow to anger,rejoicing with those who rejoice, andweeping with those who weep.Train us to pursue zealously the unity of the spiritin the bond of peace,never allowing ourselves to break fellowshipover party or policy.
Amen
Praying the News
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