Voting may be the most important place for us to live into God’s call for a flourishing world. Feeding the hungry is crucial, but how much more so is passing legislation that will address the root causes of hunger? Giving water to the thirsty is crucial, but how much more so is passing legislation that will keep our water supply safe? Welcoming the stranger is crucial, but how much more so is passing legislation that provides avenues for immigration and shelter for refugees? Clothing the naked is crucial, but how much more so is implementing living wages, adequate paid leave, and safe working conditions that will address the root causes of poverty? Caring for the sick is crucial, but how much more so is passing legislation that ensures every single person will have access to affordable healthcare? Visiting the prisoner is crucial, but how much more so is designing a justice system that aims for restitution rather than retribution?
When we vote, we have the power to address each of these mandates listed in scripture. The issues facing our communities and our country matter. We can elect representatives and leaders who will pursue a just society through honest channels.
If you’re not registered to vote, please register.
If you’re not planning to vote, please do.
When you vote, consider the needs of your neighbor and heed God’s call for justice.
A Prayer for those who vote
Almighty God, creator of the universe,
Lord of our lives,
On this weekend before our state’s primary election,
we pause to consider your call for our lives together.
Remind us that you delight in diversity and difference.
You call us to welcome the stranger and make that one a neighbor.
Remind us that you lament the growing disparity between rich and poor.
You have given us all we need for life and call us to share
those resources with one another.
Remind us that deplore the degradation of the created
world, the air, the water, the land. You entrusted us with
the earth’s welfare and call us to protect if for life.
Remind us that you despise the violence in our homes and on our streets.
You call us to be instruments of peace in a world of warring madness.
Remind us that you bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the
captives, give sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free.
You call us to be the hands and feet of that message.
As we select our leaders, empower us to choose those
who will pursue these aims. Give us courage to consider the needs
of our neighbors before we vote for our own self-interests.
Make us those who accept your loving grace and seek to
return that grace to our communities.
Amen.
