Dear siblings in Christ, This coming Tuesday, November 3, I remind you to express your civic right, freedom, and duty to vote……. but then I invite you into prayer. Given the polarity, division, and anxiety of our world at present, I think there no better time to invite us all into a time of unitive prayer and meditation. To be clear, there are a myriad of ways you might pray on Tuesday. You might find time and space on your own to pray on Tuesday. If you are doing so, I invite you to pray the prayers below, which can be found on pages 820-823 in the Book of Common Prayer. Stillpoint (a ministry of the Diocese of Las Angeles) is offering online chapel from 3-8 pm. You can find information to access this prayer here: https://stillpointca.org/calendar/electionday-chapel Lastly, I invite you to pray with your Church of Our Saviour family at the close of the day on election day. At 7 pm on Tuesday, I invite you to pray Compline with your COS family, led by your vestry over ZOOM. Simply email info@cosepiscopal.org before 6:55 pm on Tuesday, and we will send you the link. On Tuesday evening, we will not ask you who you voted for, but we will pray for the unity of this country. We will not ask everyone to agree on all the issues, but we will ask you to live into Jesus’ call that we love one another as he loved us. Please know that you, our church, and our country will continue to be in my daily prayers over the next 72 hours. May we be the church God calls us to be today, but especially after the election, as we work to build bridges and love another as Christ has loved us. Faithfully, Jeff+ 18. FOR OUR COUNTRY 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. 19. FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND ALL IN CIVIL AUTHORITY O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. 20. FOR CONGRESS OR A STATE LEGISLATURE O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Commonwealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 21. FOR COURTS OF JUSTICE Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 22. FOR SOUND GOVERNMENT O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Lord, keep this nation under your care. To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. Give grace to your servants, O Lord. To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. Give grace to your servants, O Lord. To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. Give grace to your servants, O Lord. And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen. 23. FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town, ____________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 24. FOR AN ELECTION 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.
The Rev. Jeffrey D.S. ThornbergOctober 30, 2020