A Prayer for an Anxious Day

Wrong was easy, gravity helped it,

Right is difficult and long.

-Wendell Berry, A Timbered Choir

For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them.

Indeed, they do not know what is to be, for who can tell them how it will be?

No one has the power to restrain the wind, or power over the day of death; 

There is no discharge from the battle, nor does wickedness deliver those who practice it.

All this I observed, applying my mind to all that is done under the sun,

While one person exercises authority over another to the other's hurt.

-Ecclesiastes 8: 6-9

Holy God, calm our souls that rage within us.

As we turn the wheels of democracy, this new and audacious idea.

Make us thankful for the place in which we stand,

For all the masses of humanity for whom self-determination is a dream they can scarcely imagine.

For those for whom, by accident of birth, it remains beyond hope.

We pray this day for those who are moved to this sacred duty by anger.

We pray for those who approach the voting booth with disdain, fear, or a sense of hopelessness.

We pray for those who have forsaken their voice in apathy.

We pray for those who have not counted the cost or moved beyond the dog whistle summons.

We pray for those who think this day is going to solve the difficult problems we face.

Encourage those who have been moved to action.

Let this day be the beginning of their involvement,

Not the End.

Remind us that you have chosen to side with the least and the last

That your kingdom is not of this world.

Cause us to remember the old stories of your justice

Which overwhelmed kings and gods alike.

We pray for the welfare of the cities, states and our nation,

We pray for leaders who will act wisely,

With a heart for all of those under their authority.

We pray for a return to cooperation instead of bitter division;

We pray for a open conversation instead of shouting and acrimony;

We pray for mercy to once again be a virtue,

We pray that justice would reign in our land,

We pray that we would live up to our own high ideals,

We pray that your hand would guide us and keep us,

Calm us and let us move forward in hope and faith.

In the name of Jesus Christ, in whom we live, and breathe and have our being, Amen.