God of love and God of all,

We enter into this election with an anxiety unmatched by any election day that has come before.

Instead of a nation coming together to elect a common leader, we are a nation coming apart at the seams.

We are battling for the soul of America, but we have very different ideas of how that soul should look, feel and behave.

We fear for the safety and peace of our nation, as threats of violence loom over the election and the as-yet-unknown results.

We can’t believe what we have become.

Great physician, help us heal the deep divisions that exist in our country. May we find ways to cross aisles, bridge gaps and mend fences. Give us the grace to admit when we’ve been wrong  and to forgive when we’ve been wronged. Help us to know better and to do better.

May we find ways to work hand in hand for:

a way forward in this era of COVID

equal rights for all humankind

the exorcism of racism and the eradication of hate

a way of welcome to those seeking refuge

jobs for those who need them

food for those who are hungry and shelter for those who are cold

healthcare for all, particularly the very young, the elderly and the disabled

a country where everyone (regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or location) feels heard, accepted and cared for.

Give us the strength and the patience and the wisdom to work together to make such a country possible.

May we all bear witness to our faith in God and commitment to Christ by loving our neighbor—knowing that everyone is our neighbor.

In the name of the Creator and the Christ and the Holy Spirit,

Amen

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Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.