Vote Faithfully with Love: Community Prayer Service for the Election
Call to Worship (Micah 6:8)
God has told us, O human ones, what is good,
and what does the Holy One require of us
but to do justice and to love kindness
and to walk humbly with your God?
Invocation
Sovereign God, as we gather, we proclaim our allegiance to your kindom and our hope for the world you created. Fill us with power, wisdom, and connection to be your people in the world. Let us witness to your goodness and your glory. Strengthen us to live in your radiance and to love abundantly, compassionately, and fully in your name. Amen.
Welcome and Introduction
Worship Note: In addition to your tradition’s words of welcome, this is a good opportunity to clarify this prayer service is non-partisan.
Gathering Song
Praying for the Election
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. (1 Ti 2:1–2)
For Voters
Wise God, we pray for every voter. Let us be guided by truth and faith. May every voter have all the information they need and free and unfettered access to exercise their right. Give us wisdom and discernment in choosing the candidates and determining support for ballot issues. Amen.
For Candidates
Sovereign God, we pray for every candidate. Beyond political party and ideology, we pray that each person who presents themselves will be led in wisdom, integrity, and compassion. We ask your blessings upon them and their campaign workers during this time. Allow the results to be received and collegiality to prevail throughout the remainder of the political process. May all seek the best interests of the community they hope to serve. Lead and guide them in all truth, grace, and love. Amen.
For Election Workers
Mighty God, We pray for those who work the election. We pray that election officials and boards of elections will operate with efficiency, accuracy, and integrity. We pray for poll workers, monitors, chaplains, and peacekeepers. May each serve their function and be strengthened as they assist voters in participating in the democratic process. Keep all safe from aggression and violence. Let peace abound, O God. Amen.
For the Electoral Process
Healing God, we pray for all the steps in the voting process. We pray that absentee ballots be received and processed on time. We pray that ballots from overseas and military personnel be returned without delay. We pray that ballots be counted and recorded efficiently and accurately.. May any attempts at intervention, violence, suppression, or intimidation be thwarted and exposed. May the election results be announced without scandal or controversy. May those results be received and certified with grace and a commitment to working together as elected officials and as citizens for a better community and world. Amen.
Song
Praying for the Community
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. (Jeremiah 29:7)
The Community Prays
Worship Note: Invite worshippers to share their prayer concerns for the community (city, town, village) in which you gather. You may respond to each concern (In your mercy, O God, hear our prayer) and/or conclude with the Lord’s prayer.
Song
Praying for the Nation and the World
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Pastoral Prayer
Song
Benediction and Charge
As you go and vote,
May the love of God guide,
The hope of God encourage you,
And the peace of God sustain you.
Vote faithfull…with love.
Vote Faithfully with Love: Community Prayer Service for the Election was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.