October 1, 2016
The Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer)
October 2, 2016
Bless Us
Dear Lord, please look kindly on our election process. Bless us with a godly leader for our nation, one who has wisdom, courage and compassion for all people. Let your light and truth shine into the life of the one you have chosen to lead us and into the lives of all those we elect to lead us in other positions of leadership. Thank you for the gift of being allowed to live in a country where we may choose our own leaders. May we choose well, and may they govern well. Help us as followers of Jesus to unite in love as we support your plans for America and the world. In the powerful Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
October 3, 2016
For Our Country
Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly ask that you will always keep us mindful of your favor and in so remembering be glad to do your will. Bless our land with work opportunities, opportunities for sound learning, and the kind and generous treatment of one another. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, from the ravages of gun violence and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought together out of many peoples and languages. Give wisdom to those current elected officials and those who will be elected or re-elected to hold authority in government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, let us continue to trust you. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer for Our Country, Book of Common Prayer)
October 4, 2016
Hearts to Pray
Sovereign Lord, there is nothing that can thwart your plans. You have ordained a plan for our nation and for your people. Your counsel stands forever. Each day we live on this earth, we have hope. Visit us by your Spirit, and guide the prayers of our lips. Give us tender hearts that break over what is breaking your heart for our nation. Move us to pray in perfect harmony with your truth as it is revealed in your Holy Word. May God’s kingdom come and His will be done over political candidates, elected officials, local and national elections. Amen.
(Praying Together, Revive Our Hearts Ministry)
October 5, 2016
For Our Leaders
Give us, O God, leaders whose hearts are large enough to match the breadth of our own souls, and give us souls strong enough to follow leaders of vision and wisdom. In seeking a leader, let us seek more than development of ourselves—though development we hope for; more than security for our own land—though security we need; more than satisfaction for our wants—though many things we desire. We pray for the grace and the courage to vote with insight and wisdom, with heart and conviction. Let us pray for the leaders who will help us create the world we envision and long for.
(Adapted from Prayer for Leadership by Joan D. Chittister, OSB. submitted by Michele Schauer)
October 6, 2016
Competent Leader
Sovereign Lord, give us a leader who is competent to help us and lead us and well-represent us and our interests before the nations of the world. Let the people of this land lay aside our own political allegiances, prejudices of any kind, pridefulness and personal interests in making our selection of a leader. Let the leader of choice lay aide these things as well in providing leadership and making policy decisions throughout his or her administration. Let us come together and work together for the good of this nation and all the peoples of the world. Amen.
October 7, 2016
Avoid Worry, Fear, Defeat
Help us, O God, not to succumb to worry, fear, or defeat. And, please don’ let us grow so weary that we just give up, and tune out. Help us to realize that our voices are important, now, more than ever before, and let us use them to encourage and inspire others and use them for other good. Headline news stories can cause us to fear and worry as we think about the future. We can feel powerless to change the things we believe need to be changed. We wonder whether anyone can. The truth is no one can. But God. We look around us and see dark days and evil often seems to be winning. But God’s words remain true in spite it all. God knows. God is able. God can. He is the Light that breaks through the darkness. He is the One who sets free and has the power to restore our nation.
(Crosswalk.com)
October 8, 2016
A petition for Grace
For these times, as hearts have turned cold and numb;
As fear has overtaken the young and the old;
As we daily witness unnatural death and dying.
We pray, dear Lord, cover us with your spirit,
Let your love rain upon us each day.
Pour out your understanding and leave us not unto our own.
Forgive us, Lord, and bless us with your undying love.
Receive our petition and grant us thy grace. Amen
(David Jones)
October 9, 2016
Our Civic Duty
We pray, O God, against the spirit of hopelessness, complacency, and despair. May we have the courage to rise to our collective and individual responsibilities to use our God-given freedom to exercise our civic duty to vote for the well-being of future generations. Let us not be overwhelmed or distracted by the loud noise of hate, but filled by the abounding love of God for all His people. We pray for the election of individuals who value the resources of this land and who will promote the good use and protection of these resources; individuals who will foster a society of mutual respect for all of God’s people regardless of background, color, creed, or socio-economic status; who will work towards establishing good will between our nation and other nations of the world. Give to those who serve in elected positions in the different aspects of government the spirit of cooperation so that the necessary work to govern this land, provide for its citizens and keep us all in safety can be accomplished, according to your will in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(Ben Okoh)
October 10, 2016
Social Justice
Lord Jesus, supreme Sovereign of all people, look with tender mercy upon the multitudes of our day who bear the indignities of injustice everywhere. Raise up leaders in every land dedicated to your standards of order, equity, and justice. Sharpen our intellects to pierce the pettiness of prejudice; to perceive the beauty of all humanity. Guide our minds to a meaningful understanding of the problems of the poor, of the oppressed, of the unemployed, of all in need of assistance anywhere. Shield our hearts against the subtle lure of earthly things and undue regard for those who possess them. May we hunger and thirst after justice for all and for always. Amen.
(Catholic Online)
October 11, 2016
For Guidance
Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty. We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
October 12, 2016
Inspire us to Vote
Though seemingly powerless in the eyes of the world, help us to realize, O God, that we as the Church – through righteousness, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit – have the ability to release the wisdom of God into any and every culture and throughout the world. We pray that ‘Our eyes will be opened to see the hope to which we are called’ (Ephesians 1:18) and that we will experience in a fresh, new way the presence of Christ in revival. We pray, O God, that you will change the hearts and minds of those who have decided not to vote, whether because of hopelessness or lack of concern or lack of confidence in the candidates or lack of the desire to see either win, that they will be given the desire to vote and the faith to believe that their votes will make a difference. Let those who are inclined to vote, who feel it is our right and responsibility to do so, where appropriate, reach out to them, not with anger or insult, but with gentle persuasion. Give us the discernment to know and know how. Amen.
October 13, 2016
For Nonviolence
O God, of mercy and compassion, open our heart to your grace. We ask you to bless us with courage to embrace nonviolence in our everyday lives. Bless us with vision to seek alternatives when violence appears as the only solution. Encourage us to look deeply at our own complicity that allows violence to continue in our own hearts and in our world. Bless us with insight to see the roots of violence inherent in mercy’s critical concerns. Give us the tenacity to stay committed to the struggle to shape a more peaceful, nonviolent world for all your people.
O good and gracious God, source of all life, all creation is charged with your divine energy. Grant us the strength and courage, we pray, for a radical transformation of own lives and a deeper realization of your kingdom among us. Amen.
(Sistersofmercy.org)
October 14, 2016
Discernment
As Paul urged the early church, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We, therefore, pray to You, O God, asking for discernment to choose candidates who best reflect God’s principles and values, that the plans of the enemy will be thwarted and truth would be made known. We pray that through those who are elected, God’s purposes will be accomplished and God’s will be done. And, we pray that we would elect faithful people committed to serving in the best interest of the people, even when they must stand up to, or stand against or stand alone in the face of adversaries. Give them the strength and will to do so. Let our Commander-in-Chief be Your Commander-of-Choice. Amen.
October 15, 2016
For the Candidates and Voters
Beloved and Holy God, it is our presidential campaign season. We pray for all of the candidates, that you may bless them according to your will; that your will may be done in their lives; that where they are in error, you may guide and correct them, and that where they are wise, you may strengthen them. Stir in each of their hearts a love for truth, for liberty and justice, and for the common good.
Heavenly God, we also pray for the millions of men and women who will be voting for our next president. Guide each one of us in discernment and knowledge, so that we may vote wisely, and in so doing, that your will may be done. Turn our hearts from fear to hope, from hatred to love, from indifference to compassion. Lead us to be true to our conscience without holding in contempt those with whom we disagree.
Christ, you commanded us to love our enemies — make us mindful that this extends to our political opponents as well. Give us the faith we need to trust in your love and your will, and the grace to act in accordance with your truth, your mercy, and your boundless compassion. Humbly we pray in your holy name. Amen.
(Carl McColman, A Contemplative Faith)
October 16, 2016
Times of Conflict
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer for Times of Conflict, Book of Common Prayer)
October 17, 2016
Human Rights and Justice
God of mercy, our nation is in a time of great transition. With all of the injustice and fear in our world today, we ask you to inspire us and guide us as we participate in the upcoming presidential elections. We seek a government that upholds and protects human rights and justice for all its citizens, regardless of race, class, gender, or religion. Move and inspire us by your presence among us in the most vulnerable in our society. For their tears are your tears, their pain is your pain, their suffering is your suffering. In gratitude for the right to vote, we pray. Amen.
(Prayer by Anna Misleh. Copyright © 2016, Education for Justice, a project of Center of Concern. www.educationforjustice.org.)
October 18, 2016
Discernment and Sound Judgment
Heavenly Father, you value deeply the qualities of good judgment and discernment, but it is easy for us to lose sight of them. Give to all who will vote in this year's elections a sense of discernment and sound judgment, and let that discernment in turn bring discerning leaders into office. Lord, you promise to bless us with rejoicing when righteous leaders are in charge. So we ask you for godly and good leaders who will bring joy to those they lead. Do not allow any wicked persons to gain public office in this fall's elections, but only those who will honor you. Amen.
(Freepublic.com)
October 19, 2016
For Poll Workers, Officials, and Voters
O God, you have called us to be workers together with you. Make us now of one heart and mind to pray and work and give for the up-building and strengthening of the poll workers and election officials in each state and city. Give to each voter a clear mind, a pure heart, and the holy motivation to follow in the footsteps of Christ as He acted to support and uphold those on the margins of society. Bless our election with active voter participation, and stir up the wills of all your people to speak with one voice, one heart, and one mind. Amen.
(From Prayers for All Occasions, Submitted by Isaiah Schauer)
October 20, 2016
God’s Will Be Done
O God, your plans are firm, faithful and forever. The purposes of your heart prevail through all the generations. Let your mighty, perfect will be done in the elections this fall. Bring righteous people who fear You to lead our nation into the future. Establish godly leaders who glorify you as they lead, and let their tenure be as welcome as the light of morning at sunrise and like the brightness after rain that brings green grass to the earth. Amen.
(Freepublic.com)
October 21, 2016
Fair Election
As we prepare to elect those who are to lead us at the local government, state and national levels, endow us with the spirit of love, discernment, right judgement, sincerity of heart and courage to do this. May you never allow human deception and intrigue to discourage and mislead us. Grant that wicked and evil influences will be weak and impotent in their efforts at bringing down the candidates for election. Let the results of this election be fair and accurate. Let no deception or scheme determine its outcome. Amen.
October 22, 2016
Social Justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the people of this land, to the extent that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer for Social Justice, Book of Common Prayer)
October 23, 2016
Care for all Citizens
May we go out to vote for leaders who will be true shepherds after God’s own heart, leaders who will use the natural and human resources with which you, O God, bless our country to serve us and improve our spiritual and material well-being. May we choose leaders who will not only work to satisfy their own personal and business interests, but who are competent and concerned with the improvement of all citizens. Let us choose leaders who will consider every citizen’s life to be as valuable and as worthwhile as their own, who will care about and work to provide resources to the “least of these” inspiring them to make more of themselves and enabling them to have more for themselves. Amen.
October 24, 2016
For Immigrants
Lover of all humankind, you call to us to be caring and hospitable toward strangers in our midst. When brothers and sisters from other countries flee the difficulties of their land, help us to welcome them and to walk gently with them. When students and visitors from far away choose our land as their destination, help us to respond in kindness to their interests and needs. We pray especially for those living in fear; those who risk deportation and imprisonment. We pray for the undocumented immigrants in our country, and we pray that the church may stand with those who are vulnerable.
We pray for wisdom and guidance for our legislators; for those who govern and for those deciding how to improve our immigration system. We pray that the need for dignity, respect, and better treatment of the strangers in our midst will outweigh insignificant politics. May we care for all our neighbors as for ourselves, that we may know the blessing of giving. Amen.
(Carissa VanHaitsma, Office of Social Justice, Christian Reformed Church)
October 25, 2016
For the Media
In our day of 24-hour news coverage, the media have taken on a huge role in our election process. Handling media correctly sometimes seems to take precedence in a campaign over actually dealing with issues. The media themselves often forget their role of informing and reporting and have become endorsers and supporters, even while they try to deny that role. We pray for the media during this election, that there will be fair and impartial reporting, that truth in reporting and election coverage will be the priority and practice of those involved, that media bias will disappear, and that hope will become part of the message of the media. Amen.
(beliefnet.com)
October 26, 2016
Your Will be done
Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). As we pray for something as important as our national elections, help us, O God, to lay down our own desires and take up the desires of God. May the Lord’s purposes be achieved in and through our nation. We pray that the people of this nation will seek first the kingdom of God, that God will be honored in the midst of this election and that the results of the 2016 elections will please the Lord and release His blessing over this nation. Amen.
(beliefnet.com)
October 27, 2016
Truth-Lovers
We pray, O God, that we would once again become a truth-loving people. We pray that you would help us to discern truth and demand truth and to reject falsehood and that truth will once more be valued by the people of this nation and those who serve as elected officials. Your word says, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32). Help us to realize as we decide and select our leaders that it is only by truth that we can live in peace and in freedom.
We pray also that our nation will increasingly see that God is our only refuge in the midst of the troubles of this world. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1), and that those in our judicial system and lawmakers will strive towards justice for all, tempered by mercy and compassion, and that these principles will guide our nation, as we are called by God to, 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another'" (Zech. 7:9). Amen.
(Reviveourhearts.com)
October 28, 2016
The Election Process
Lord, we pray for wisdom for voters and a safe and fair election. Thwart the plans of those who might try to unjustly and illegally change the outcome of the voting. Let there be a huge turnout of voters who will use wisdom in their decisions. Your word says, " Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you" (Prov. 4:5–6). We ask for your protection from any attacks from enemies that would prevent or delay the election. Amen.
(Reviveourhearts.com)
October 29, 2016
Dear God,
We thank you for your great power. We praise you that you have set us free from the clutching grasp of sin and death. Would you be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, giving your protection, and empowering with your strength. We ask that you would cause an awakening of your presence as never seen before. We ask that your name be proclaimed, that all plans to silence truth would be thwarted and crushed.
We pray that many would come to know you as Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your light; we pray that you would open blind eyes and release those still imprisoned.
We pray you would unify your people for the glory of your name, that believers everywhere would rise up and stand together. We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people.
We pray that you would heal our land, and shine your face on us. Our times are in your hands. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Crosswalk.com)
October 30, 2016
Peace in the World
Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds held and nurtured over generations. Let the rain wash away the memory of the hurt, the neglect. Then let the sun come out and fill the sky with rainbows. Let the warmth of the sun heal us wherever we are broken. Let it burn away the fog so that we can see each other clearly and so we can see beyond labels, beyond accents, gender or skin color.
Let the warmth and brightness of the sun melt our selfishness, so that we can share the joys and
feel the sorrows of our neighbors, and let the light of the sun be so strong that we will see all
people as our neighbors. Let the earth, nourished by rain, bring forth flowers to surround us with beauty, and let the mountains teach our hearts to reach upward to heaven. Amen.
(A prayer for the world - Rabbi Harold Kushner)
October 31, 2016
Candidates and Leaders
We pray that those elected to office will take brave stands for righteousness, even when it may not be well received or popular. We pray that they and their families will be protected from harm and unnecessary scrutiny. Surround them with godly advisors. Grant them the cooperation of others whose support and votes will help them to do the job effectively for which they were elected. May ideologies, gender, opposing viewpoints or differences of any sort not stand in the way of keeping this country safe, its people prosperous, and of maintaining allies around the world. Let them all work together for the good of the whole. We pray that each candidate will focus on the issues we face as a nation and not on personal attacks on other candidates. "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Amen.
(Harvestprayer.com)
November 8, 2016
Election Day
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of freedom -- freedom of choice, freedom of association, freedom of religion, and freedom to participate in the government of our choosing in a country with free and fair elections where we honor the principle of government of the people and for the people and by the people.
We ask you dear Lord, to look with favor on our land once more and to guide the hearts and minds of each registered voter, first to go out to the polls to vote, and secondly, to cast their votes with conscience and in a manner that will bless and further the free state, so that we can continue on the road to prosperity without resort to rancor, malice or divisiveness.
Lord, we further ask you to bless all those who have a hand in administering the elections, that they may do so honestly, fairly and according to the law, and to also bless those who participate in the election in any way, especially the candidates for president and for all elected offices, that they may be convicted to serve the people in humility, compassion and goodness. Turn those candidates who will incite discontent and division away from those aims and towards your heart, convicting them to follow in your ways and to justly and rightly serve your people.
We pray that all outcomes shall be to your glory, and we ask all these things in the precious name of your son, Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and because of whom we can claim our freedom even today. Amen.
(Ayesha Mutope-Johnson)
The Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer)
October 2, 2016
Bless Us
Dear Lord, please look kindly on our election process. Bless us with a godly leader for our nation, one who has wisdom, courage and compassion for all people. Let your light and truth shine into the life of the one you have chosen to lead us and into the lives of all those we elect to lead us in other positions of leadership. Thank you for the gift of being allowed to live in a country where we may choose our own leaders. May we choose well, and may they govern well. Help us as followers of Jesus to unite in love as we support your plans for America and the world. In the powerful Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
October 3, 2016
For Our Country
Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly ask that you will always keep us mindful of your favor and in so remembering be glad to do your will. Bless our land with work opportunities, opportunities for sound learning, and the kind and generous treatment of one another. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, from the ravages of gun violence and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought together out of many peoples and languages. Give wisdom to those current elected officials and those who will be elected or re-elected to hold authority in government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, let us continue to trust you. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer for Our Country, Book of Common Prayer)
October 4, 2016
Hearts to Pray
Sovereign Lord, there is nothing that can thwart your plans. You have ordained a plan for our nation and for your people. Your counsel stands forever. Each day we live on this earth, we have hope. Visit us by your Spirit, and guide the prayers of our lips. Give us tender hearts that break over what is breaking your heart for our nation. Move us to pray in perfect harmony with your truth as it is revealed in your Holy Word. May God’s kingdom come and His will be done over political candidates, elected officials, local and national elections. Amen.
(Praying Together, Revive Our Hearts Ministry)
October 5, 2016
For Our Leaders
Give us, O God, leaders whose hearts are large enough to match the breadth of our own souls, and give us souls strong enough to follow leaders of vision and wisdom. In seeking a leader, let us seek more than development of ourselves—though development we hope for; more than security for our own land—though security we need; more than satisfaction for our wants—though many things we desire. We pray for the grace and the courage to vote with insight and wisdom, with heart and conviction. Let us pray for the leaders who will help us create the world we envision and long for.
(Adapted from Prayer for Leadership by Joan D. Chittister, OSB. submitted by Michele Schauer)
October 6, 2016
Competent Leader
Sovereign Lord, give us a leader who is competent to help us and lead us and well-represent us and our interests before the nations of the world. Let the people of this land lay aside our own political allegiances, prejudices of any kind, pridefulness and personal interests in making our selection of a leader. Let the leader of choice lay aide these things as well in providing leadership and making policy decisions throughout his or her administration. Let us come together and work together for the good of this nation and all the peoples of the world. Amen.
October 7, 2016
Avoid Worry, Fear, Defeat
Help us, O God, not to succumb to worry, fear, or defeat. And, please don’ let us grow so weary that we just give up, and tune out. Help us to realize that our voices are important, now, more than ever before, and let us use them to encourage and inspire others and use them for other good. Headline news stories can cause us to fear and worry as we think about the future. We can feel powerless to change the things we believe need to be changed. We wonder whether anyone can. The truth is no one can. But God. We look around us and see dark days and evil often seems to be winning. But God’s words remain true in spite it all. God knows. God is able. God can. He is the Light that breaks through the darkness. He is the One who sets free and has the power to restore our nation.
(Crosswalk.com)
October 8, 2016
A petition for Grace
For these times, as hearts have turned cold and numb;
As fear has overtaken the young and the old;
As we daily witness unnatural death and dying.
We pray, dear Lord, cover us with your spirit,
Let your love rain upon us each day.
Pour out your understanding and leave us not unto our own.
Forgive us, Lord, and bless us with your undying love.
Receive our petition and grant us thy grace. Amen
(David Jones)
October 9, 2016
Our Civic Duty
We pray, O God, against the spirit of hopelessness, complacency, and despair. May we have the courage to rise to our collective and individual responsibilities to use our God-given freedom to exercise our civic duty to vote for the well-being of future generations. Let us not be overwhelmed or distracted by the loud noise of hate, but filled by the abounding love of God for all His people. We pray for the election of individuals who value the resources of this land and who will promote the good use and protection of these resources; individuals who will foster a society of mutual respect for all of God’s people regardless of background, color, creed, or socio-economic status; who will work towards establishing good will between our nation and other nations of the world. Give to those who serve in elected positions in the different aspects of government the spirit of cooperation so that the necessary work to govern this land, provide for its citizens and keep us all in safety can be accomplished, according to your will in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(Ben Okoh)
October 10, 2016
Social Justice
Lord Jesus, supreme Sovereign of all people, look with tender mercy upon the multitudes of our day who bear the indignities of injustice everywhere. Raise up leaders in every land dedicated to your standards of order, equity, and justice. Sharpen our intellects to pierce the pettiness of prejudice; to perceive the beauty of all humanity. Guide our minds to a meaningful understanding of the problems of the poor, of the oppressed, of the unemployed, of all in need of assistance anywhere. Shield our hearts against the subtle lure of earthly things and undue regard for those who possess them. May we hunger and thirst after justice for all and for always. Amen.
(Catholic Online)
October 11, 2016
For Guidance
Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty. We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
October 12, 2016
Inspire us to Vote
Though seemingly powerless in the eyes of the world, help us to realize, O God, that we as the Church – through righteousness, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit – have the ability to release the wisdom of God into any and every culture and throughout the world. We pray that ‘Our eyes will be opened to see the hope to which we are called’ (Ephesians 1:18) and that we will experience in a fresh, new way the presence of Christ in revival. We pray, O God, that you will change the hearts and minds of those who have decided not to vote, whether because of hopelessness or lack of concern or lack of confidence in the candidates or lack of the desire to see either win, that they will be given the desire to vote and the faith to believe that their votes will make a difference. Let those who are inclined to vote, who feel it is our right and responsibility to do so, where appropriate, reach out to them, not with anger or insult, but with gentle persuasion. Give us the discernment to know and know how. Amen.
October 13, 2016
For Nonviolence
O God, of mercy and compassion, open our heart to your grace. We ask you to bless us with courage to embrace nonviolence in our everyday lives. Bless us with vision to seek alternatives when violence appears as the only solution. Encourage us to look deeply at our own complicity that allows violence to continue in our own hearts and in our world. Bless us with insight to see the roots of violence inherent in mercy’s critical concerns. Give us the tenacity to stay committed to the struggle to shape a more peaceful, nonviolent world for all your people.
O good and gracious God, source of all life, all creation is charged with your divine energy. Grant us the strength and courage, we pray, for a radical transformation of own lives and a deeper realization of your kingdom among us. Amen.
(Sistersofmercy.org)
October 14, 2016
Discernment
As Paul urged the early church, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We, therefore, pray to You, O God, asking for discernment to choose candidates who best reflect God’s principles and values, that the plans of the enemy will be thwarted and truth would be made known. We pray that through those who are elected, God’s purposes will be accomplished and God’s will be done. And, we pray that we would elect faithful people committed to serving in the best interest of the people, even when they must stand up to, or stand against or stand alone in the face of adversaries. Give them the strength and will to do so. Let our Commander-in-Chief be Your Commander-of-Choice. Amen.
October 15, 2016
For the Candidates and Voters
Beloved and Holy God, it is our presidential campaign season. We pray for all of the candidates, that you may bless them according to your will; that your will may be done in their lives; that where they are in error, you may guide and correct them, and that where they are wise, you may strengthen them. Stir in each of their hearts a love for truth, for liberty and justice, and for the common good.
Heavenly God, we also pray for the millions of men and women who will be voting for our next president. Guide each one of us in discernment and knowledge, so that we may vote wisely, and in so doing, that your will may be done. Turn our hearts from fear to hope, from hatred to love, from indifference to compassion. Lead us to be true to our conscience without holding in contempt those with whom we disagree.
Christ, you commanded us to love our enemies — make us mindful that this extends to our political opponents as well. Give us the faith we need to trust in your love and your will, and the grace to act in accordance with your truth, your mercy, and your boundless compassion. Humbly we pray in your holy name. Amen.
(Carl McColman, A Contemplative Faith)
October 16, 2016
Times of Conflict
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer for Times of Conflict, Book of Common Prayer)
October 17, 2016
Human Rights and Justice
God of mercy, our nation is in a time of great transition. With all of the injustice and fear in our world today, we ask you to inspire us and guide us as we participate in the upcoming presidential elections. We seek a government that upholds and protects human rights and justice for all its citizens, regardless of race, class, gender, or religion. Move and inspire us by your presence among us in the most vulnerable in our society. For their tears are your tears, their pain is your pain, their suffering is your suffering. In gratitude for the right to vote, we pray. Amen.
(Prayer by Anna Misleh. Copyright © 2016, Education for Justice, a project of Center of Concern. www.educationforjustice.org.)
October 18, 2016
Discernment and Sound Judgment
Heavenly Father, you value deeply the qualities of good judgment and discernment, but it is easy for us to lose sight of them. Give to all who will vote in this year's elections a sense of discernment and sound judgment, and let that discernment in turn bring discerning leaders into office. Lord, you promise to bless us with rejoicing when righteous leaders are in charge. So we ask you for godly and good leaders who will bring joy to those they lead. Do not allow any wicked persons to gain public office in this fall's elections, but only those who will honor you. Amen.
(Freepublic.com)
October 19, 2016
For Poll Workers, Officials, and Voters
O God, you have called us to be workers together with you. Make us now of one heart and mind to pray and work and give for the up-building and strengthening of the poll workers and election officials in each state and city. Give to each voter a clear mind, a pure heart, and the holy motivation to follow in the footsteps of Christ as He acted to support and uphold those on the margins of society. Bless our election with active voter participation, and stir up the wills of all your people to speak with one voice, one heart, and one mind. Amen.
(From Prayers for All Occasions, Submitted by Isaiah Schauer)
October 20, 2016
God’s Will Be Done
O God, your plans are firm, faithful and forever. The purposes of your heart prevail through all the generations. Let your mighty, perfect will be done in the elections this fall. Bring righteous people who fear You to lead our nation into the future. Establish godly leaders who glorify you as they lead, and let their tenure be as welcome as the light of morning at sunrise and like the brightness after rain that brings green grass to the earth. Amen.
(Freepublic.com)
October 21, 2016
Fair Election
As we prepare to elect those who are to lead us at the local government, state and national levels, endow us with the spirit of love, discernment, right judgement, sincerity of heart and courage to do this. May you never allow human deception and intrigue to discourage and mislead us. Grant that wicked and evil influences will be weak and impotent in their efforts at bringing down the candidates for election. Let the results of this election be fair and accurate. Let no deception or scheme determine its outcome. Amen.
October 22, 2016
Social Justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the people of this land, to the extent that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Prayer for Social Justice, Book of Common Prayer)
October 23, 2016
Care for all Citizens
May we go out to vote for leaders who will be true shepherds after God’s own heart, leaders who will use the natural and human resources with which you, O God, bless our country to serve us and improve our spiritual and material well-being. May we choose leaders who will not only work to satisfy their own personal and business interests, but who are competent and concerned with the improvement of all citizens. Let us choose leaders who will consider every citizen’s life to be as valuable and as worthwhile as their own, who will care about and work to provide resources to the “least of these” inspiring them to make more of themselves and enabling them to have more for themselves. Amen.
October 24, 2016
For Immigrants
Lover of all humankind, you call to us to be caring and hospitable toward strangers in our midst. When brothers and sisters from other countries flee the difficulties of their land, help us to welcome them and to walk gently with them. When students and visitors from far away choose our land as their destination, help us to respond in kindness to their interests and needs. We pray especially for those living in fear; those who risk deportation and imprisonment. We pray for the undocumented immigrants in our country, and we pray that the church may stand with those who are vulnerable.
We pray for wisdom and guidance for our legislators; for those who govern and for those deciding how to improve our immigration system. We pray that the need for dignity, respect, and better treatment of the strangers in our midst will outweigh insignificant politics. May we care for all our neighbors as for ourselves, that we may know the blessing of giving. Amen.
(Carissa VanHaitsma, Office of Social Justice, Christian Reformed Church)
October 25, 2016
For the Media
In our day of 24-hour news coverage, the media have taken on a huge role in our election process. Handling media correctly sometimes seems to take precedence in a campaign over actually dealing with issues. The media themselves often forget their role of informing and reporting and have become endorsers and supporters, even while they try to deny that role. We pray for the media during this election, that there will be fair and impartial reporting, that truth in reporting and election coverage will be the priority and practice of those involved, that media bias will disappear, and that hope will become part of the message of the media. Amen.
(beliefnet.com)
October 26, 2016
Your Will be done
Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). As we pray for something as important as our national elections, help us, O God, to lay down our own desires and take up the desires of God. May the Lord’s purposes be achieved in and through our nation. We pray that the people of this nation will seek first the kingdom of God, that God will be honored in the midst of this election and that the results of the 2016 elections will please the Lord and release His blessing over this nation. Amen.
(beliefnet.com)
October 27, 2016
Truth-Lovers
We pray, O God, that we would once again become a truth-loving people. We pray that you would help us to discern truth and demand truth and to reject falsehood and that truth will once more be valued by the people of this nation and those who serve as elected officials. Your word says, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32). Help us to realize as we decide and select our leaders that it is only by truth that we can live in peace and in freedom.
We pray also that our nation will increasingly see that God is our only refuge in the midst of the troubles of this world. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1), and that those in our judicial system and lawmakers will strive towards justice for all, tempered by mercy and compassion, and that these principles will guide our nation, as we are called by God to, 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another'" (Zech. 7:9). Amen.
(Reviveourhearts.com)
October 28, 2016
The Election Process
Lord, we pray for wisdom for voters and a safe and fair election. Thwart the plans of those who might try to unjustly and illegally change the outcome of the voting. Let there be a huge turnout of voters who will use wisdom in their decisions. Your word says, " Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you" (Prov. 4:5–6). We ask for your protection from any attacks from enemies that would prevent or delay the election. Amen.
(Reviveourhearts.com)
October 29, 2016
Dear God,
We thank you for your great power. We praise you that you have set us free from the clutching grasp of sin and death. Would you be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, giving your protection, and empowering with your strength. We ask that you would cause an awakening of your presence as never seen before. We ask that your name be proclaimed, that all plans to silence truth would be thwarted and crushed.
We pray that many would come to know you as Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your light; we pray that you would open blind eyes and release those still imprisoned.
We pray you would unify your people for the glory of your name, that believers everywhere would rise up and stand together. We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people.
We pray that you would heal our land, and shine your face on us. Our times are in your hands. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Crosswalk.com)
October 30, 2016
Peace in the World
Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds held and nurtured over generations. Let the rain wash away the memory of the hurt, the neglect. Then let the sun come out and fill the sky with rainbows. Let the warmth of the sun heal us wherever we are broken. Let it burn away the fog so that we can see each other clearly and so we can see beyond labels, beyond accents, gender or skin color.
Let the warmth and brightness of the sun melt our selfishness, so that we can share the joys and
feel the sorrows of our neighbors, and let the light of the sun be so strong that we will see all
people as our neighbors. Let the earth, nourished by rain, bring forth flowers to surround us with beauty, and let the mountains teach our hearts to reach upward to heaven. Amen.
(A prayer for the world - Rabbi Harold Kushner)
October 31, 2016
Candidates and Leaders
We pray that those elected to office will take brave stands for righteousness, even when it may not be well received or popular. We pray that they and their families will be protected from harm and unnecessary scrutiny. Surround them with godly advisors. Grant them the cooperation of others whose support and votes will help them to do the job effectively for which they were elected. May ideologies, gender, opposing viewpoints or differences of any sort not stand in the way of keeping this country safe, its people prosperous, and of maintaining allies around the world. Let them all work together for the good of the whole. We pray that each candidate will focus on the issues we face as a nation and not on personal attacks on other candidates. "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Amen.
(Harvestprayer.com)
November 8, 2016
Election Day
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of freedom -- freedom of choice, freedom of association, freedom of religion, and freedom to participate in the government of our choosing in a country with free and fair elections where we honor the principle of government of the people and for the people and by the people.
We ask you dear Lord, to look with favor on our land once more and to guide the hearts and minds of each registered voter, first to go out to the polls to vote, and secondly, to cast their votes with conscience and in a manner that will bless and further the free state, so that we can continue on the road to prosperity without resort to rancor, malice or divisiveness.
Lord, we further ask you to bless all those who have a hand in administering the elections, that they may do so honestly, fairly and according to the law, and to also bless those who participate in the election in any way, especially the candidates for president and for all elected offices, that they may be convicted to serve the people in humility, compassion and goodness. Turn those candidates who will incite discontent and division away from those aims and towards your heart, convicting them to follow in your ways and to justly and rightly serve your people.
We pray that all outcomes shall be to your glory, and we ask all these things in the precious name of your son, Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and because of whom we can claim our freedom even today. Amen.
(Ayesha Mutope-Johnson)
BRINGING PEOPLE TO CHRIST AND HELPING THEM TO BE CHRIST-LIKE
3129 Southmore Boulevard | Houston, Texas 77004
713-526-9571
staff@stjameshouston.org
The Rev. Victor Thomas, Rector
3129 Southmore Boulevard | Houston, Texas 77004
713-526-9571
staff@stjameshouston.org
The Rev. Victor Thomas, Rector