Pre/Post Election 2024 Prayer

On the eve of the election, I was intentionally trying to be hopeful, but I had heard some poll numbers that showed my candidate of choice was not doing as well as hoped. In light of what had been a contentious campaign season and with dread in my heart of what the future might hold, regardless of who might win, I shared this prayer.

Two weeks out, it is still my prayer. It is also my daily reminder of how I want to show up in the world. The hardest work of my life has been and will continue to be loving people that I find it difficult to even like. I will keep at it, and perhaps love will be as natural to me as breathing.

Until then, may this prayer be an encouragement to you.

No matter how tightly we might hold to our convictions, may we hold even more tightly to love

So tightly that we open our hearts and hands to others in compassion, generosity, trust, and kindness as our first act of connection

May we not hold tight to a false idea of love that rejects others out of fear, greed, self-righteousness, or judgement

May we not delude ourselves that love is best earned or doled out in pieces, but is, instead, extravagant, inclusive, and liberal (abundant)

For perfect love casts out fear

May we all set ourselves to making this world better through care, compassion, and kindness even as we fight against those who side with exclusion, oppression, dominance, and control

May we work toward the kind of liberation that elevates and empowers all creation toward a more beautiful, unified future even if it calls for personal sacrifice

No matter who gets elected (sits in the seats of power), may we remember that we are all but only human, and though we might be prone to error, we have the capacity to create a sublime future when we call forth and recognize the good that lies within each of us

May we set ourselves to calling forth what is good and beautiful, and may what we create together be good

God help us all!