From Psalm 131
O LORD, I am not proud;*
I have no haughty looks.
I do not occupy myself with great matters*
or with things that are too hard for me.
But I still my soul and make it quiet,
like a child upon its mother’s breast;*
my soul is quieted within me.
O Israel, wait upon the LORD,*
from this time forth for evermore.
As we approach Election Day, our anxiety increases. Fears about the
well-being of our nation surround us, and we struggle not to feel like
we are catapulting toward disaster. The ongoing presence of the pandemic
compounds our feelings of doom and dread. Who is there to ground us and
care for us? As the Israelites asked Moses many times during their
journeys through the wilderness, “Is the Lord with us or not?”
I invite you during this time of increasing tension to join me for a
period of intentional prayer for Election Day. Beginning October 27, we
will join with others across the nation in a novena (an ancient
practice of 9 days of devotional prayers with specific intentions) for
our national elections. During this time we will pray for wisdom and
discernment in voting and for the well-being of our country.
Forward Movement has devised a series of prayers which will assist
us and you can sign up to receive these prayers and resources daily here.
Come to God, say your prayers, light a candle each day beginning
October 27, and remind yourself that God is in charge. He welcomes us to
rest upon him in quiet solitude…even when…and especially when we are
afraid.
-- Bishop Haynes
