“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:16, 21 (NRSV)

Jesus, we look to you for strength and hope
as we walk into the unknown of a new day.
We’ve been disappointed and hurt by what we have seen
and heard in the leadup to this year’s national election.

You taught us to love each other as siblings but we struggle
to embrace people who look, think, and act differently than us.
Please heal the wounds we have inflicted on each other and help us
to be more like you, treating others as we wish to be treated.

Fill our hearts with compassion for one another, and guide us in
setting good examples that future generations will want to follow.
Help us unite communities by living love and modeling encouragement,
and by putting an end to finger-pointing, hatred and violence.

May we have the strength to be agents of peace, healing, and hope,
in a country where many are choosing division instead of diversity.
Allow your Church and its people to be the center of justice, love, and mercy
– embracing, uniting, and transforming all through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.