"Prayers for Our Country" by the Rev. Dr. Amy Slaughter Myers

St. Francis Spiritual Sustenance : November 4, 2022 =======================================

I am inviting us to pray with the wider Episcopal Church these prayers for our country in preparation for the midterm elections on November 8, 2022. May we call our country into acting justly, with loving mercy, in all humility. —- Peace, Amy

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Loving God, creator of this world who is the source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

We give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

Guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ taught us.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

Help us create communities that will build your kingdom here on earth – communities that will protect the poor, stand up for the vulnerable, advocate for those who are not seen and heard, and listen to everyone’s voice.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do – to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you through creation.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

Help us act out of love, mercy and justice rather than out of arrogance or fear.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

Lord, continue to guide us as we work for the welfare of this world. We pray with and for places that are torn by violence, that they may know peace.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

We pray with and for communities who are struggling with inequality, unrest, and fear. May we all work toward reconciliation with one another and with God.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

Help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another as we seek the betterment of our community and world.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

SOURCE: adapted from “Prayers of the People” by Rev. Shannon Kelly, Director Department of Faith Formation, The Episcopal Church