Creator, Christ, Comforter
We come to you, bringer of Justice, Mercy and Love
Our nation is anxious as we elect leaders
Our hearts are hardened and fingers extended:
Eyes averted, vision divided, fears rising
Ears stopped up, slogans reheated, points not conceded
Walls higher, lines sharper, words harsher
Does forgiveness only come when we forgive each other?
Can You heal us if we fail to heal others?
Today, we pray with the Psalmist
Help our rulers find the right path for all the people
Let them champion our fight against poverty and inequality
Let them teach peace for our neighbors and opponents
Break the cycles of violence, injustice and oppression
Filling us with compassion for all who are weak or needy
Bring gentle rains upon the fields, feeding all who hunger
May such just leaders endure on the earth
May their names linger gently across the nations
Oh Jesus, our Christ, who bore the pain of unjust rulers and clerics
Oh Great I AM, who hears the cries of all oppressed peoples
Oh Spirit of Comfort and Fire, who sends Moses, John, and Ester
Let us never blame You for our human sinfulness.
For we know that no matter whoever we elect,
Your kin-dom comes through hard labor.
So enliven us with a deeper vision of humanity, justice and peace:
Soften our hearts and open our hands
Let us look in the other’s eyes and cast out phony fears
Let us learn to listen, analyze, and concede whatever is truth
Breaking down walls, crossing closed borders, moderating our words
Hearing the cries, defending the oppressed, standing with the forgotten
Turning from blame, marching for freedom, and carrying another’s cross
Feeding the hungry, healing the sick, visiting the prisoner
Oh Almighty God, Love, closer than our breath
Keep us working to build your kin-dom
With faith, hope and love
On earth as in heaven. Amen.