WASHINGTON, D.C. Nov. 9, 2016 | Yesterday, across the United States, citizens exercised their right to vote for the leadership of their country. Today, may we stand united in prayer for all those who have accepted the mantle of leadership: that they might find strength and wisdom to lead our communities and country in the days ahead. We pray that they remain always focused on the common good, continually shaping through their words and actions a more just and peaceful world.
UMNS Photo by Kat Barry
Susan Henry-Crowe
The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe
We are grateful for the dedication of public servants who devote their lives to serving all peoples of the United States. We are especially grateful and pray for the countless United Methodists who live out their faith as county commissioners, sheriffs, judges, state legislators, and members of the U.S. Congress.
Despite the long and rancorous road to this election, let us pray that we, as faithful witnesses, find renewed strength for the journey ahead as we hold leaders accountable to supporting policies that transform our world into a more just and peaceful home. May we all renew our promises to be faithful to the ways that lead to peace and abundant life. Let us hold onto the promise that peace will come in our day.
A word, a prayer, and a song for the world after the 2016 election
Remembering the words of Abraham Lincoln
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and will all nations.
May we pray with the great Methodist theologian, Georgia Harkness,
This is my prayer, O Lord of all earth’s kingdoms;
Thy kingdom come; on earth thy will be done.
Let Christ be lifted up till all shall serve him,
And hearts united learn to live as one.
O hear my prayer, thou God of all the nations;
Myself I give thee; let thy will be done.
Let us sing together, For the Healing of the Nations
Lead us forward into freedom;
from despair your world release,
that redeemed from war and hatred,
all may come and go in peace.
Show us how through care and goodness
fear will die and hope increase,
fear will die and hope increase. (Fred Kaan 1965)
The prayer and song can be found in the United Methodist Hymnal
The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe serves as general secretary of the General Board of Church and Society, the social-action arm of The United Methodist Church that carries out the public policies adopted by the General Conference.