God is our refuge This week, we as a country held yet another round of elections. And for many, it is a time full of emotions: fear, hope, anxiety, relief, to name a few. No matter the outcomes, 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 this week. It seems particularly appropriate for folks from all sides of the political spectrum. 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, as we ponder the election results, 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. Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 236) |
