When we gathered for staff meeting this past Monday, Brian and Allison suggested that we open our Chapel on Election Day for prayer. We have not done that before since I have been here. I thought it was a good idea. We discussed how people were very anxious about the outcomes of this election.
 
As Christians we believe that one of the best things we can do in all situations is to pray. In prayer we praise God and remember who God is. We confess our shortcomings and sin as a step to having a right relationship with God. God's grace and forgiveness help renew our spiritual health. We express our gratitude to God through thanksgiving. We take time to lift up our concerns - both for ourselves and for others. And we take time be silent and listen for the voice of God.
 
Brian prepared a prayer guide for us. It included a prayer, as well as suggestions for hymns we might read. I prayed the prayer and then I began looking through our hymnbook for hymns in the section called "The Life of the Nations." Not only were there some patriotic hymns, there were others based on the Psalms. Reading and praying the words of those hymns was very rewarding.
 
I then moved on to the next section in our hymnbook called "A New Heaven and a New Earth." These hymns were based on the belief that one day, God's kingdom would come to earth and make all things right. All in all, I prayed through about fifty hymns! Surprisingly, it was not boring. In fact, the time flew by.
 
I realized I had come into the Chapel anxious because of all the news reports about the election, but I left the chapel renewed by being reminded the good news of the gospel!  Listen to what Paul says about the value of prayer:
 
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  -1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV

Prayer for Today

Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers. May your peace fill our lives and our world. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.