Election Day
“For an Election
“Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of a president and other 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 Book of Common Prayer, p. 822.
It is hard not to think about the election today. I remember all those who are running for office, some of whom I know personally. I have looked through a small window to see what a noble sacrifice it has been for some of them—for their families, for their bodies, for their minds, for their hearts, and for their spirits.
How difficult it must be for candidates to hold onto their core values through the entire experience. How hard it must be to stay truthful. We see this at every turn. We hear people saying things they did and will do after the election that we know did not happen and that they will never allow to happen.
That is a great price to pay, to win, to lose your integrity. More than any other people, politicians may be susceptible to bribes coming from people with deep pockets who offer money to get them to support their programs or businesses. Winning becomes so expensive or so important that all other values go to the wayside. May this be a lesson for all of us in our own lives as we are tempted to compromise to reach a goal.
During the whole time the polls are open, our Daughters of the King chapter will pray in St. Mark’s chapel for those running for office—all of them. They all so need our prayers. We give thanks for their courage to stand up and try to make a difference in this world, often at significant risk.
We pray for all of us that we will be able to accept the results of the election, and will continue to pray for both the winners and the losers.
We also must pray that all who are elected to office will be able to keep their core values and become the people they say they are and the people God created them to be.
While we are at it, let us pray the same prayer for ourselves.
Joanna. joannaseibert.com