God is our refuge! Today we as a country hold yet another election. And today is a day full of emotions: fear, hope, anxiety, relief, to name a few. No matter the outcome, some will be elated while others will grieve. The Scriptures remind us over and over that God is on his throne and sovereign over all. Psalm 62 is one of the morning prayer psalms appointed for today. It seems particularly appropriate for folks from all sides of the political divides. Here is part of it: For God alone my soul in silence waits; * truly, my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, * my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken. In God is my safety and my honor; * God is my strong rock and my refuge. Put your trust in him always, O people, * pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:6-9 So on this election day I encourage us to pray…to “pour out our hearts before him.” You might offer the following prayers: Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of this community) 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. You may also want to take advantage of the online opportunities below: You can watch the Washington National Cathedral's service Holding on to Hope: A National Service for Healing and Wholeness featuring Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and a host of faith leaders from other traditions. In the midst of a pandemic, racial reckoning, and a historic election, this service gathered Americans for prayer, song, lament, hope, and a call to love God and neighbor. Sharry Erzinger offers this contemplative option: Hello to all! This message was forwarded from the Living School website, sent by a group in Canada: ‘Several months ago Cynthia Bourgeault referred to the need for contemplatives to act as a kind of cosmic ventilator for the world right now: to breathe in suffering and breathe out compassion. A number of us have been holding this kind of space on a daily basis for the last month in light of the animosity and fear generated by the US elections. If you need a place to support your tonglen/intercessory prayer practice; if you’d like to meditate or practice Centering Prayer with others; or if you just need to sit in a calm and generous atmosphere, please join us.” We are invited to join them. There is no need to RSVP, just log on as you like. A person will be live on the site to clarify any questions. No one will be speaking. You will see that person, and symbols of others who are there in solidarity and in prayer. Come and go as you like from the site. Thank you for contributing to the breath of the world. Please use the link below! Here is the message: There will be an all-day Zoom Meditation Meeting on Tuesday, November 3, from 8 am to 8 pm Pacific Time as we hold the US in our prayers. Therese DesCamp Tuesday, November 3, Zoom Meditation Meeting. 8 am to 8 pm. Pacific time https://us02web.zoom.us/j/253750414 Meeting ID: 253 750 414 Passcode: willing One tap mobile +13126266799,,253750414#,,,,,,0#,,466373# US (Chicago) +13462487799,,253750414#,,,,,,0#,,466373# US (Houston) Passcode: 466373 So pray, breathe, be still...and remember that God is our refuge, our strength, and our King! Blessings, Matthew+ | 
