The news is a flurry of election updates and this past month we saw an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, bringing many Christians to a place of wondering, “What am I called to do in this time?” What is our response to the hostility and division we are seeing in this country?
I, like you, am discerning the answers to these questions. But I have gotten clear on one response that I challenge you to join me in: every time you feel your blood pressure sky rocket, every time you see a flag you do or do not like, every time you have a knee jerk impulse to react to what you’re seeing…use that impulse in you as a call to prayer.
Prayer is not a passive activity. It’s the place we go to be in communication with God, not only to tell God what we need him to hear, but also to receive from God the things he wants us to hear. It is a place where we open ourselves to God’s presence, which changes us, empowers us and often times gives us clarity about how to act.
And so, over the next four months, I encourage you to use all of the political noisiness as a call to prayer. (If we do this, I imagine this might be one of the most active times of our collective prayer life!)
In the lead up to the Republican National Convention, the Wisconsin Council of Churches prepared a resource called “Loving Your Neighbor In Election Season”[1] and in this, they have prepared seven prayers (one for each day of the week) to go with seven pieces of scripture and so I’ll share them here for you to use.
Here they are:
On your way to the polls, conventions, or demonstrations
When our anger leads us to roads of rage;
Spirit of Wisdom, guide us to take hopeful action.
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” - Psalm 34:14
When the news is disturbing
When hopelessness troubles us; Gentle God, may we know Your presence is with us.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” - John 14:27
When social media posts or politics threaten friendships
When politics and systems of the world treated to divide us;
Prince of Peace, reign in us.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” - Colossians 3:15
As political signs are posted
When we see our neighborhoods covered with blue and red signs; Creator God, remind us You created every one of us, all our neighbors, in Your image. “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” - Romans 12:18
When we feel defeated, or don’t want to engage with others
When our despair causes us to withdraw;
O Lord, remind us that we belong together.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. - Matthew 5:9
When your mental health is affected
When our anxiety keeps us up at night; God Who Watches Over Us, grant us restful sleep.
“I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.” - Psalm 4:8
When fear of what might happen overwhelms us
When hope seems but a glimmer; Eternal One, remind us that seeds take time to be planted.
“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” - James 3:18
Peace,
Pastor Bekki