Everlasting God, we come to you in prayer on this Election Day mindful that you are the one in charge of the entire universe.  Yet you have entrusted the governing of this part of your universe to us.  Instill in us the gravity and the privilege of this responsibility.  Move us not to vote according to the emotion we feel today but rather according to how we have each discerned your will.  Grant us wisdom and courage.

 

Abba Father, keep our voting places safe.  Protect all those who work at polling places.  Give us a sense of respect for them, respect that we can show them as we each enter our poling place.  And keep them safe as they work tirelessly after hours to tally the results.

 

Gracious God, give us all grace, that as this Election Day comes to an end and the votes are tallied, we may all remember that we are citizens of the same country and that at rock bottom we all want what is best for the country, in spite of different views about what "best" really is.  Instill in us respect, compassion, and caring for each other that will overcome the anger and hatred that have played out in so many places in our country.  Make our desire to listen stronger than our desire to speak.

 

Above all, Loving God, give us all hope for a better future, knowing that you are the one in charge of that future.

Amen.