An election day prayer

God of good order, government is your gift through which you rule earthly life. And on this election day in Canada we begin in the place of gratitude – there is so much to thank you for despite the flaws of this campaign. Thank you for the goodness of this country you’ve placed us in; thank you for a day like this that many across the globe can hardly imagine; thank you for the privilege, so easily diminished and discounted, of a real voice in our political system.

We thank you for all those men and women who have run for election among the various parties, people who stood for something and so afforded us a choice. Thank you for these candidates, their families, staff and all the passionate volunteers who have worked so hard to present a compelling vision for this country rooted in their deeply held convictions. After a long campaign, give them rest and a sense of your affirmation, no matter what happens today.

God of grace, we pray today not for the government we deserve but for something far better. We’re praying today that you tally all our votes and gather our voices to raise up a wise government that is good for all, not just for a few. We pray for a government that will remember the poor while while keeping a flourishing economic house in order. We pray for a government that will treasure the environment, finding innovative ways to care for creation and embolden all in our responsibility as its stewards and caretakers. We pray for a government that will lead us to live harmoniously across this amazing country, despite our profound diversity and differences, helping us to find common ground and enabling us to disagree with civility and respect. We ask for a government that will be a courageous and compassionate world neighbour, taking wise stands against global bullies and providing generosity and protection for those in great need around the world.

God of love, at times fear and suspicion have smeared this campaign. But today remind us that it is love that casts out fear. So no matter where we mark our ballot, may we vote for the visions and ideas that inspire hope for the future rather than tempt us to cower in fear or suspicion. Regardless of the outcome tomorrow, make us a people committed to building bridges and working together for the common good.

And, please God, help us to do this with some hilarity and joy. Election campaigns are necessarily serious business but we play politics with all too much glum earnestness. Forgive us our humourlessness. Remind us to laugh at ourselves, at all our posturing, bluster and puffed up self-importance. Fill us with a greater joy in your guidance of this good nation.

And we pray this in the name of Jesus, our King, the one who was branded a rebel and executed by the government of his day. Amen.