A Prayer for Election Day

O God of Many Voices,

On this election day,
We give thanks for the diversity of voices
That participate in public life.

We praise you for the
Uniqueness of each voice
And the sacredness of each story
Which adds beauty to the story of creation.

We celebrate the richness of collective participation
Which expands our limited imaginations
And reminds us that
We need one another.

We pray for those
Who have been told their voices don’t matter,
And ask that you show us ways
To keep widening our tents and setting bigger tables.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Inspire us as we discern our vote,
That those who are close to your heart:
The sick, the poor,
Those mocked or ignored,
Might be close at heart in our own decisions.

Remind us of those who sacrificed
Their reputations, their livelihoods, their families,
Even their very lives
So that one day we could vote.

O Holy Spirit,

Move among us:
Voters, candidates,
Poll workers and elected officials.

Unite us in a spirit of respect and civility,
So that, whatever the outcome,
We might remember
We are first and foremost a human family
Sharing one common home.