Living Lord,
You have told me what is good and what you require:
act with justice,
overflow with mercy,
walk with humility.
Together with my sisters and brothers I confess
that our nation has fallen far short of your instruction;
I see the consequences of our sin,
I acknowledge my participation
and I grieve the painful wounds in our national life.
As I prepare to cast my vote, enable me to
quiet the divisive clamor of our national discourse,
so that I may hear your small, still voice.
Lead me in wisdom,
to choose leaders who will seek the common welfare:
who will uplift my daughters and guide my sons.
who will walk with my mother
and watch over my father.
who will shelter my neighbor and listen to strangers
leaders who will see the image of God in each one.
Help me to love those with whom I disagree.
Fill me with the reconciling power of Jesus Christ
so that I may be
an instrument of peace
a dismantler of divisive walls
a mender of broken places
a seeker of truth and goodness.
Lord help me to pray in the company of
those who have gone before me
those who will go long after me
those who walk beside me down the street today
and those whose paths may never cross mine
Deliver me from fear that controls me
Lead me toward "all that is beautiful, and all that is terrible,"
that I may be your hands and feet in this world that you love
and bring glory to your holy name.
Amen.
