Prayer Service for Election Day 2024

 

The Golden Rule, Norman Rockwell, 1961, 

Donated to the United Nations Headquarters from the United States of America

Prayer Service for Election Day

November 5, 2024

8:00 am online

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church,

Ellisville, MO

 

 

Breathe and Center Yourself at the Ringing of the Bell.

Opening Words

Celebrant:   God is Spirit, 

and those who worship must worship in spirit and in truth.          (John 4:24)

People:       We are no longer strangers and sojourners, but citizens together 

with the Saints and members of the household of God.        (Ephesians 2:19)

Celebrant:   Let us pray.

 

Collect for an Election    (in unison)                                              BCP, p. 822

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: 

Guide the people of the United States 

and of this community

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.

 

The Readings

 

A Reading from the Book of Isaiah.                                          Isaiah 58:6-12

 

Is not this the fast that I choose:
   to loose the bonds of injustice,
   to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
   and to break every yoke? 
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
   and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
   and not to hide yourself from your own kin? 
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
   and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you,
   the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard. 
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
   you shall cry for help, and God will say, Here I am. 

If you remove the yoke from among you,
   the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, 
if you offer your food to the hungry
   and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
   and your gloom be like the noonday. 
The Lord will guide you continually,
   and satisfy your needs in parched places,
   and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
   like a spring of water,
   whose waters never fail. 
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
   you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
   the restorer of streets to live in. 

 

Reader:       The Word of the Lord.

People:       Thanks be to God.

 

 

Canticle N   (In Unison)             A Song of God’s Love                           1 John 4:7-11

 

Beloved, let us love one another, 

for love is of God. 

Whoever does not love does not know God, 

for God is Love. 

In this the love of God was revealed among us, 

that God sent God’s only Son into the world, 

so that we might live through Jesus Christ. 

In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us 

and sent God’s son that sins might be forgiven. 

Beloved, since God loved us so much, 

we are also to love one another. 

For if we love one another, God abides in us, 

and God's love will be perfected in us. 

 

 

A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew.                         Matthew 20:25-28

Priest:         The Holy Gospel of Our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

 

But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that those who rule the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around.  But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave— just as the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”

 

Reader:         The Word of the Lord.

People:        Thanks be to God.

 

The Prayers

 

A Litany for Sound Government                                         from Forward Movement

 

Intercessor: O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

People:       Lord, keep this nation under your care.

 

Intercessor: To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor: To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor: To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

People:       Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

 

Intercessor:  And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.

All:             For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

 

Presider:

Almighty God, 

the source of all wisdom,

give grace to all those who will vote in the election,

and bless with your spirit of humility and charity

all who will be elected to public office.

Make your kingdom of love visible among us,

and make all things subject to your just and gentle rule,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for an Election

Written by The Rev. Shannon Kelly, Director Department of Faith Formation, The Episcopal Church

 

Celebrant:

Loving God, Creator of this world, who is our 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.

 

Intercessor: 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.

 

Intercessor: 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.

 

Intercessor: 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.

 

Intercessor: 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.

 

Intercessor: 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.

 

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

Intercessor: God, our Creator,

People:       Guide us in truth and love.

 

Intercessor: We pray 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.

 

Intercessor: 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.

 

A Time of Silent Reflection and Intercession from Your Heart is Observed.

 

Confession

Priest:   Let us reflect, and confess our sins against God and our neighbor

 

All:

Almighty God, Source of all that is, Giver of every good gift: 

You create all people in your image 

and call us to love one another as you love us. 

We confess that we have failed to honor you 

in the great diversity of the human family. 

We have desired to live in freedom, 

while building walls between ourselves and others. 

We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are, 

while making judgements of others based on the color of skin, 

or the shape of features, 

or the varieties of human experience. 

We have tried to love our neighbors individually 

while yet benefitting from systems 

that hold those same neighbors in oppression. 

 

Forgive us, Holy God.

Give us eyes to see you as you are revealed in all people.

Strengthen us for the work of reconciliation rooted in love.

Restore us in your image, to be beloved community,

united in our diversity, 

even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit,

Holy and undivided Trinity,

now and forever. Amen.

 

The Priest then offers absolution and assurance of God’s grace and love:

May Almighty God have mercy on us,

grant us courage and conviction,

and strengthen us to love others who are unlike us.

May God, the holy and undivided Trinity,

make us compassionate in our actions

and courageous in our works,

that we may see Christ's Beloved Community in our own day. Amen.

Collect for Social Justice                                                           BCP p. 823

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit 

may so move every human heart 

and especially the hearts of the people of this land, 

that barriers which divide us may crumble, 

suspicions disappear, 

and hatreds cease; 

that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Collect for Our Country (read responsorially)                          Diocese of Missouri

O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, 

grant courage and hope. 

Where anxiety is infectious and widening, 

grant peace and reassurance. 

Where impossibilities close every door and window, 

grant imagination and resistance. 

Where distrust twists our thinking, 

grant healing and illumination. 

Where spirits are daunted and weakened, 

grant soaring wings and strengthened dreams; 

in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

The Blessing 

Live without fear: 

your creator has made you holy,

has always protected you,

and loves you as a mother.

 

Go out into the world in peace;

have courage;

hold on to what is good;

return no one evil for evil;

strengthen the faint hearted;

support the weak, and help the suffering;

honor all people;

love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Go in peace to follow the good road,

and may the blessing of God Almighty be with you always:

In the name of the Creator, and the Redeemer, and the Life Giving Spirit.

Amen.

 

 

Dismissal

Celebrant:   Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.

People:       Thanks be to God.

Broadcast On Facebook Live on November 5, 2024 at 8:00 am

Prayer 2489: For the Second Day of Diocesan Convention and Election of a Bishop

O God, You are our wisdom and our guide: 
bless and keep us this day. 

Send your Spirit upon us,
God of Grace and Mercy, 
and lead us into pastures of plenty, 
that we may be refreshed and restored 
to be your light and truth in the world. 

Make us bold in discipleship, 
steadfast in prayer, 
and united in spirit, Beloved Savior. 

Grant us wisdom and courage 
 that we may be resolute 
 in seeking your will, O God, in all things. 

Extend the shelter of your mercy 
over those for whom we pray this day.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2488: for Diocesan Convention

O God, You are our refuge and our rock: 
we put our trust in You.

Help us to work together in harmony
in the work You have given us,
and let our deeds bring honor to Your name.
Let us make your Word and commandments our sure foundation,
and seek always to forgive rather than condemn.
Let us remember the generous love You have given us,
and uphold each other in our trials and needs.

Help us testify to the world
about your grace and mercy
by our love and example, Blessed Jesus,
and help us lift up the banner of love and compassion.

Extend the shelter of your mercy
over those for whom we pray this day.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2480

Bright Morning Star,
we seek your light and guidance.
You herald a new dawn for those who feel lost or alone.
Your light brings promise
of the dawning of a new day
 a day in which all things are made new.
Inspire us to focus on your rising,
which drives all shadows from our hearts.
And, we pray, be a beacon of hope and fortitude,
especially to those for whom we now pray.

Amen.

Prayer 2352

Holy One,
the morning breeze wraps soft against my cheek
as I join my song with the morning birds
in praise of You.
They trill their gratitude to the Creator
and call us all to mindfulness
of the blessings of each moment.

Your loving faithfulness is cool water, O God,
in times of trouble,
and shade against the heat of strife.

Bless me with your patience this day, My Savior,
for I am prone to wander
and let go of your hand.
Refresh my spirit in the cooling streams of your wisdom,
Lord Jesus, in your mercy,
and guide me into paths of compassion.

Spirit of the Living God,
bend near to all who seek respite and relief,
and grant your peace to those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2281

Most Merciful God,
we thank You for your loving kindness,
for giving your angels charge over us
to keep watch as we rested during the night.

As the rising sun gilds the eastern horizon,
burnish our hearts, O Savior,
and set them ablaze,
that we may shine forth with your love
and testify to your manifold blessings.

Teach us to walk in compassion and humility, Blessed Redeemer,
that we may embody your healing presence in the world.
Strengthen our intention to serve You, Lord Christ,
that we may love each other as you love us,
overflowing with the radiance of your peace.

Spirit of the Living God,
make us instruments of peace and healing,
that we may testify to God’s grace and mercy with joy.
Place the seal of your blessing over all who call upon You,
O Lord, our Advocate and Friend,
as we bring the cares and prayers of our hearts before You.

Amen.

Prayer 2246

O God of the sustaining wave,
who fills our spirits with hope
as a sail fills with wind,
send us where You will,
and grant us courage to raise our anchor
and set our course by the light of Christ.

In the rising tide of dawn
 lift us over the shoals of doubt, O Savior,
running each wave with a surging joy,
the rigging singing out your praises,
O Lord of all hopefulness.

As we are guided by your grace and truth,
O Spirit of the Eternal One,
move over the deep waters of our hearts,
that we may be a blessing in the world this day
and grant your peace to those we hold close
in joy or in need, as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2063

Have mercy upon us,
Most Gentle God:
bend near as we seek You,
our Rock, our Light, and our Hope.

Spirit of God,
dwell within our hearts,
that we may be led by your love
and brought to healing and reconciliation.
Help us to persevere in faith, O Savior,
and resist falling into sin and contempt.

Holy One,
be our shield and comfort
as we seek our path today.
Give rest to the weary, Lord Christ,
and comfort to the anxious;
be our companion in joy and in sorrow.

Remembering your promises of mercy,
your lovingkindness which never ceases,
renew and revive our souls this day, O God,
and pour out your blessing
over the concerns we lay before You.

Amen.

Prayer 2055

O God,
we bless you and we praise you,
and give you thanks for your manifold mercies:
You, O generous Creator,
are our portion and our cup.
Lord Jesus,
Bright Morning Star,
guide us and enlighten us this day:
fill our spirits with wonder, joy and lovingkindness
that we may be your healing hands in the world
as we seek out the lost, the hurting, and the lonely.
Give us a thirst for wisdom and integrity
that we may bear witness to your love and faithfulness,
O Spirit of the Loving God.
Beloved Savior,
fill us with the light of hope,
and grant your favor and comfort
to all those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2020

The heavens are telling the glory of God:
let us join in the song of creation,
praising God always.
Holy, Holy, Holy God,
shine the light of your countenance upon us,
and guide us in the ways of peace and justice. 

Lift the darkness from our hearts
by the light of your Word, O Creator,
and bring us in safety through the day. 
Guide our hands and hearts, O Spirit of Hope,
that we may be forces for healing
and testaments of your abundant grace. 
Open our hearts to the poor and oppressed,
that we may walk humbly with Christ,
our Savior and model. 

Merciful One,
look with favor upon all those who call upon You,
comforting them and bringing them peace.
Stretch forth the hand of your blessing
over those whose needs we raise before You,
we pray.

Amen.
1310

Prayer 1966: To the Captain of Our Souls

O God, Captain of Our Souls,
we bend the knee of our hearts before You,
opening ourselves to your light and your guidance,
offering you our prayers and praises.

Fill the sail of our spirits with the wind of your wisdom,
that we may be directed in all our journeying
by your abundant love and mercy.

May we set our course today
by the light of your Son, Jesus Christ,
that we may be guided and gentled
into paths of justice and peace, integrity and compassion,
caring for the least among us
as Christ's hands and heart in the world.

Lift us up by the tide of your grace, O Spirit of Love,
that compassion and thankfulness may overspill our hearts--
that we may pry the fist of fear from its grip within us
and relax into your tender embrace.

At day's end, O Holy One,
may we anchor ourselves within your truth,
secure beneath your protecting hand,
and rest in contentment beneath your velvet sky,
having done your will with joy.

We ask your blessing, O Loving One,
upon all whose hope is in You,
especially these whose needs we lift before You.

Amen.


Illustration from Bede's Life of St. Cuthbert

Prayer 1932: Inspired by Psalm 90:1-2

In You, O God, have we taken our refuge:
through the night your hand has been upon us,
and now we rise we give you thanks and praise.
Teach us to number our days,
each moment a gift from You, O Creator,
that we may rejoice at this new dawn,
and turn our minds to your wisdom and truth.

Your loving-kindness is spread over us
as broad as the canopy of sky
that turns from purple to gold at rising light:
so let your love rise in our hearts, Fairest Jesus,
that we may walk in faithfulness today.

May all we do and all we are this day
witness to the healing love of Christ,
who teaches us and leads us as companions
walking in paths of integrity, peace, and compassion.

Spirit of the Living God,
sanctify us to your service this day,
and place the seal of your blessing upon those for whom we pray.

Amen.