Praying for America

At the time of this article, the US Presidential Election remains in the balance. The counting of votes is continuing amid threats of legal challenges.

The people of the United States, particularly our friends in other churches remain in our prayers at this time. Here we share some of their prayers at this time of extreme anxiety for them.

As we patiently wait… Sovereign God, your Son Jesus lived within the structures of society even as he spoke truth to those in power and challenged systems of oppression. Empower us to be courageous disciples and responsible citizens. Grant that our life in the public realm be grounded in love for our neighbors, care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
@ELCAADvocacy

We pray for the President, whoever they may be. Today, in January 2021, in January 2025 and beyond. It is our duty as Christians to pray. It is our duty as Christians to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. 
United Church of Christ
@unitedchurch

The Episcopal Church in America held a live prayer vigil on Facebook after the close of polls on Wednesday Australian time.

In her contribution to the election night vigil, the Dean of St Pauls Cathedral in Oklahoma City, the Very Rev Katie Churchwell, shared a night prayer from the NZ Anglican Prayer Book.   

Lord,
it is night.

The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;

what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.

The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you.

The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.

In your name we pray.
Amen.

Rev Churchwell also sought to calm and reassure those praying with her across her country.

“I know many of you are anxious, scared, angry. That’s OK. However you feel is OK,” said Rev Churchwell.

“We will keep praying. We will pray with our hearts. We will pray with our minds. We will pray with our hands. We will pray with our voices and we will pray with our feet. Our prayers will continue forward into November 4th and November 5th and into every single day. Every single day in which we have the breath of God within us.

“We do not know the new day will bring. But we will be there, and God will be there. And when God and God’s people come together, well there’s nothing that is impossible.”

“Do not fret. Do not be afraid. We are told this so many times in scripture. Let it be true tonight, and may you rest tonight knowing that you are so loved by God. You are loved by God. No exceptions. You are loved by God. Just as you are. You are abundantly, without measure, loved by God, and you’re blessed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Uniting Church President Dr Deidre Palmer has also written a prayer for Americans as they wait anxiously over the coming hours and days. 

Gracious God,

We pray for the people of the United States of America.
We pray for peace, for wisdom for Church leaders, who are seeking to offer a word of hope and calm in this tumultuous time.

We pray that people will have patience in the uncertainty and respect one another.
We pray for US citizens in Australia, who are part of Uniting Church congregations and are deeply concerned for the wellbeing of family and friends in the face of unrest.

May your Spirit bring love and hope into all those places where hatred and suspicion of the other undermine community and unity. 
May Christ’s reconciling and renewing presence bring healing and peace.
Amen.