A Call for Prayer, Patience, and Action During This Year’s Election

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I admit it’s hard for me not to be anxious right now. This election feels like a time when we will collectively decide what kind of nation we want to become. It is a time of stark polarization, social media-driven and AI-fueled deceptions, and a great deal of inflammatory rhetoric. We are a fearful, divided country. 

I cannot predict how the coming election will turn out. I can only call for us Christians to vote, engage, and speak in accordance with our faith. So in this election season, I urge you to take these particular suggestions into account. 

Pray

As people of faith, prayer is our first response. We are called to pray not just for candidates or platforms but for wisdom, guidance, and unity–asking Christ to open our hearts to the needs of the marginalized, the vulnerable, and those whose voices are often drowned out during election seasons. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be present with the American people as they make decisive choices in this election. Pray for those with whom you disagree, recognizing that everyone is created in God’s image. When we approach others with love and respect, we sow seeds of peace. My prayer is that we remain rooted in God’s love, even when confronted with divisive opinions or outcomes.

Engage

In a time of increased tension, our faith must remain our foundation. Our interactions with others—whether in conversation, actions, or social media—should show that we are people of peace and reconciliation, even in disagreement. When we find ourselves tempted to engage in the polarizing language of the day, pause, breathe deeply, and turn to prayer.

Elections are often accompanied by uncertainty. It is during these uncertain moments that patience becomes an act of faith. Patience means listening more than we speak. It means holding space for the fears and hopes of others, even when they differ from ours. In our conversations, let’s build bridges–offering patience in moments of frustration and confusion.

Understanding begins with humility. In this election season, we are called to embody courageous love—the love that requires us to do hard things. It is not easy to extend grace when tensions are high or to love our neighbor when our views clash. But this is the love Christ modeled for us, the love that embraces those on the margins and calls us to reconciliation.

Act

Our faith also calls us to action. For some of us, action may take the form of advocating for candidates or particular issues in national or local contests. The blessing of American society is that we can all take part in making pivotal decisions. For all of us, careful and informed voting is one way we express our love for our neighbor and care for the common good. It is an opportunity to help shape a society where justice, compassion, and dignity prevail. As Christians, we all must vote based on our faith, values, and principles. Casting a ballot is a faithful act of stewardship, where we take part in Christ’s work of building a more just and loving world. Your vote is one way to answer Christ’s call to care for the least among us and ensure that every voice is heard.

As we navigate these weeks ahead, let us pray for our leaders, our neighbors, and ourselves. Let us be patient in the waiting, knowing that God’s peace will guard our hearts. And let us strive for understanding, remembering that unity in Christ transcends any political outcome.

The work of healing and reconciliation does not end when the ballots are counted. Our role as followers of Christ continues, calling us to engage with hope and love, trusting that God is always at work–especially in the most divided times. 

Let us pray. 

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes of people of many kindreds and tongues who make their home here. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail. Guide the people of this land in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP pp. 820, 822)