That’s a question a lot of us are asking just now. Our elections this next Tuesday seem almost beyond hope of bringing us together as a people. Whatever “side” any of us may be on, there is a feeling that nothing can turn out well. Too much suspicion and rancor, and even distrust and hate, is now imbedded in our National politics. So, we ask, “What can I do to change all this?” I do have an answer to that; at least a beginning-point for changing things. It’s Prayer!

Right now our Episcopal Church is calling us all to daily prayer, every day, through Election Day. Our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry is calling us to prayer for the heart and soul of our nation. To that end, Forward Movement is publishing a new prayer for our Nation each day. These prayers are below so that you can unite with other Episcopalians around the world who are joining each other to seek God’s grace and healing power for this our Country that we all love. So, join us! Pray the prayer for each day as we approach Election Day. Then and add your own requests for healing in our public discourse, and acceptance in the public square. This is where we start. This is where God will meet us. This is where the Holy Spirit will move in us and in all those for whom we pray. This is where change begins and we start to make a difference.

OCT 29 Pray for those who influence public opinion

Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OCT 30 Pray for these times of conflict

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OCT 31 Pray for guidance

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NOV 1 Pray for direction from God

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NOV 2 Pray for discernment

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

NOV 3 Pray for the 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 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.

NOV 4 Pray for our own work for the common good

Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.