Election Night Prayer (written on Monday, November 5, 2012)
To the saints at Mt. Zion,
I am sure that all eyes will be glued to the election results tonight.
Whether we are thrilled or disappointed with the outcome, this is a great opportunity for us to live out a Christian witness in our very contentious world. I have written a guide for Reflection and Prayer for Election Night and the Days After the Election. I have been working on this for some time...and finished it the day before the election--hoping to give witness that our Christian faith does not depend on the results of an election. Our grounding is deeper than that.
The passions of the election season give us a chance for our Christian character to shine through in the coming days. It is my prayer that this guide will be helpful for us to enrich our devotional life, strengthen our connection to Christ and deepen our love for one another. Let us pray for whoever the American people elect. Let us pray for our nation to be a place where God's "will is done on earth, as it is in heaven". Let us pray for wisdom for all who are elected, for grace for those who are disappointed and for healing across divisions of all kinds. (
Please click here to download a PDF copy of this guide for Reflection and Prayer for Election Night and the Days After the Election.) Blessings, grace and peace to all
, Mary JohnElection Morning -
Dear United Methodist friends at Mt. Zion,
I believe it is important for everyone to vote today. I believe it is even more important for everyone to pray for our country, for our leaders and for the election. The sanctuary of our church is not the only place to pray -- but it is beautiful, dedicated space to lift up our hearts in love for one another and for our country. I hope you will find some time during the day to be present. The sanctuary will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Communion will be served 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.; 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.; 5:00- 6:00 p.m.
We believe this time gives witness to the primacy of prayer. It is open to people across the community and across all political persuasions. It is time for private prayer at the altar or in the pew. While campaigning moves full steam ahead today, our sanctuary will be just what the word "sanctuary" implies: a refuge, a safe place where the focus is on interceding for each other and seeking God's wisdom. If you have already voted (as I have), there is still a need to pray.
If you can't be physically present in the sanctuary, we invite you to use the Guide to Prayer which will be available in the sanctuary (
click here to download a PDF copy). Pray wherever you are. Let us saturate this Election Day with prayer. Blessing you for your faithfulness,
Mary John
“HOW POLITICS AND RELIGION MIX IN ELECTION DECISIONS” - With the elections just weeks away, this teaching time/conversation will focus on principles of Christian faith and how faith informs election decisions. These study sessions will not be debate or argument or campaigning on behalf of any candidate or political party. This is a study setting for theological reflection and how Christian principles apply to the decisions that voters have to make. Facilitator: Dr. Mary John Dye, Senior Pastor at Mt. Zion UMC
Schedule
- Session 1-October 3, 2012: Introduction and The Ten Commandments of Mixing Politics and Religion
- Session 2-October 10, 2012: Seeking the Truth Through Soundbites and Slander
- Session 3-October 17, 2012: What Christian Principles Apply to Who I Should Support & What Does Christian Faith Teach About How to Treat Those Who Disagree?
- Session 4-October 24, 2012: Spiritual Guides for Decision-Making in the United Methodist Tradition
November 6, 2012: Election Day
On Election Day, November 6, the sanctuary of the church will be open for prayer from 7:00am-6:00pm. Communion will be served between 7:00-8:00am; 12:00-1:00pm; and 5:00-6:00pm. Please come and be in prayer for the candidates running for office, for the election and for our country. Invite others to this opportunity to lift up our nation in prayer.
