Prayer on Election Day

Bishop Ken Carter wrote this prayer in 2008 on the occasion of the Presidential Election. Bishop Carter offers it again for this election. I share it with you for your reflection.

Creator of us all:

you are the source of every blessing,

the judge of every nation

and the hope of earth and heaven:

We pray to you on the eve of this important and historic election.

We call to mind the best that is within us:

That we live under God,

that we are indivisible,

that liberty and justice extend to all.

We acknowledge the sin that runs through our history as a nation:

The displacement of native peoples, racial injustice,

economic inequity, regional separation.

And yet we profess a deep and abiding gratitude

for the goodness of ordinary people who have made sacrifices,

who have sought opportunities,

who have journeyed to this land as immigrants

strengthening its promise in successive generations,

who have found freedom on these shores,

and defended this freedom at tremendous cost.

Be with us in the days that are near.

Remind us that your ways are not our ways,

that your power and might transcend

the plans of every nation,

that you are not mocked.

Let those who follow your Son Jesus Christ be a peaceable people

in the midst of division.

Send your Spirit of peace, justice and freedom upon us,

break down the walls of political partisanship,

and make us one.

Give us wisdom to walk in your ways,

courage to speak in your name,

and humility to trust in your providence.

Amen.

Bishop Ken Carter