On the Election, an Election Day Eucharist, and Prayers

October 31, 2024

Dear Saint Stephen's Community,

On Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 5, we will host a special Eucharist at noon. Our faith tradition addresses our national life. There are several prayers for our national life (pages 820-823 of the Book of Common Prayer) that remind us of God’s presence in the midst of our civic duty. Like many of you, I am deeply concerned for our country’s well-being, but regardless of who is elected, my faith reminds me that our ultimate trust lies in the way of Jesus Christ, which embodies humility, love, compassion, and generosity for all, especially the most marginalized and disenfranchised. On November 6, our mission will remain the same as it is today: to share Christ’s love with a world yearning for peace, love, forgiveness, and grace.

Many have argued—and I agree—that our country has never felt more divided. I cannot recall a time in my life when hatred, vitriol, racism, fear-mongering, and misogyny were so freely expressed by so many. Friends, the work of the church will be more crucial than ever in the days, weeks, and months ahead, as we all strive to recognize the image of God in each other, in the stranger, in the immigrant, and especially in the person who holds a different view than the one we have arrived at, whatever view that might be. We must strive to care for one another, be agents of peace and compassion, and offer forgiveness and mercy when our words and the words of others have caused tension or even ruptures in our relationships. This is our opportunity to live out our faith in profound ways.

On Tuesday, November 5, we will gather in the Nave for a simple Eucharist, where we will pray the propers for the day and break bread as people have done for nearly 2,000 years. It’s a powerful reminder that our mission transcends time, empire, and national identity. I hope you will join me in praying for our country, for the candidates running for office, and for the well-being of all affected by our collective decisions. Above all, may you find the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding and promises that, in the fullness of time, all things will be made whole.

Faithfully,

The Rev. John B. Burruss, Rector

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Lord God Almighty, who has made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.