“Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” ~ 1 Kings 3:9
Lord, help us.
We mean that earnestly, sincerely, indeed prayerfully, not as an epithet. We are not taking your name in vain, we hope. Lord, help us.
Politics drive us crazy, God, from the USA to Zimbabwe and every election in between. Among the many gifts you give us we honor today the gifts of freedom and of rights. Throughout your history you have raised up those who treasure freedom and sacrifice for rights. From prophets of old to prophets of new we stand in their shadow.
Yet, like Jacob we are tempted to trade our birthright for porridge. We choose our fears over our hopes. We accept easy answers in place of hard work. We are attracted by the easy wide path rather than a narrow gate.
Remind us
that the people without a vision perish;
that we are to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s while being sure to keep for God what is God’s;
that the Good Samaritan was not respected, liked, or welcomed;
that Passover was given to remind us to be humble about our own roots;
that blessed are the peacemakers and the persecuted and the pure in heart;
that our kingdom is not of this earth;
that Solomon humbled himself to ask for your help, your guidance, your discernment;
that Joshua took his stand with you;
that Mary dared to believe that her life could magnify you.
God of heaven and earth, around this world, across this globe, bend our will toward you, incline our ears toward you, raise our sight toward you. As we enter our voting booths and make decisions that will impact the earth itself, the poor and the migrant, the soldier and the civilian, business and education, parent and child, we ask you to guide our intentions, purify our motives, and bless our nations.
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