From the Rector: Prayer and Practices in an Election Season

Dear friends,

This week, as we move toward a historic election, this nation is anxious, divided, and uncertain. Our votes matter, and I hope each one of us who is able to vote will exercise that privilege.

In addition to voting, many of us are asking ourselves, "What can I do?" Fortunately, we have resources in our faith that can help ground us. Here are a few practices I've shared in the past that I think are again helpful to reflect on this week.

• Sit and breathe. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:11) God’s sovereignty does not depend on us or on any human authority. In times of peace and times of chaos, God’s strength is eternal. We can rest in that strength. Taking time to sit quietly in God’s presence and to slow down our bodies and breath is a way of recognizing the constancy and protection of God.
• Pray. “Let prayers, petitions, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, including rulers and all in authority, that we may lead a calm and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Prayer matters. It is part of how God’s creation works. We don’t know the effect our prayers will have, but praying for ourselves and others is a positive act of intervention. While glib promises of “thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough, as Christians we believe that prayer is indeed one way of acting, coupled with others. I’d especially recommend any of the “Prayers for the National Life” in the section beginning on page 820 of the Book of Common Prayer (or find it at bcponline.org under “Prayers and Thanksgivings”). And of course, join us if you're able to pray together in the church at noon on Election Day.
• Serve. “Whatever you did to one of the least of these, you did to me.” (Matthew 25:46) Do something to help others. This doesn’t have to be something directly connected with national politics. It may be especially helpful to think local. Volunteer at Open Table or another local organization that feeds hungry people, houses people without homes, or works toward justice and equity.
• Give. “Give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Donating money is another way of serving others. Make a pledge to Incarnation. Make a gift to another charitable organization. Give to a political candidate, party, or organization you believe in. Give what you’re able, whether it’s $5 or $50,000, to a cause you believe helps advance God’s mission in the world.
• Speak truth in love. “Putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil.” (Ephesians 4:25–27) In a country deeply divided between contradictory views of basic facts, it is more important than ever for us as Christians to learn how to advocate forcefully for the truth, and to make productive use of our righteous anger, while recognizing the basic humanity of those who are our opponents. We can strengthen these muscles. A high-stakes shouting match with a relative or a social media firefight may not be the best place to start (although there are times when we need to speak up in these situations). Are there smaller contexts in your daily life where you can practice telling the truth both assertively and respectfully so those muscles will be strong when the tougher situations arise?
• Be informed, not obsessed. “The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.” (Ecclesiastes 1:8) The 24-hour news cycle and the lure of our electronic devices makes it easier than ever to be glued to a screen, awaiting new developments, or even just new commentary on old developments. It is important to be informed citizens, but there’s a threshold of frequency beyond which we can easily make ourselves anxious without adding to our real knowledge. If you’re finding yourself in a state of anxiety about the news, consider reading a good newspaper or checking a reputable news site once a day, and doing the same with social media, rather than scrolling endlessly or clicking every new link that appears.

We are living in anxious times. God calls us to be faithful, to do everything we can to work for the good within the spheres we can influence and to pray for what we can’t directly influence. God also calls us to trust. The love that created the stars and each of us is at work redeeming this broken and beloved world. Pray for that world this week.

In Christ’s love,

Stephen