Lord our God, we come before You as a shattered, broken people. In this polarizing time where fear, despair and rage seem to be our only common ground, we come before You in need of Your healing presence that binds the brokenhearted and sets the captive free.
Forgive us for glibly claiming Your blessing upon our country while violence and hatred reign in our streets and racial tension tears our communities a part. Forgive us for our armchair complaints in our current election season and our blindness to what we can do to protect the vulnerable in our community. We have allowed jealousy, bitterness and cynicism to corrode our hearts, remaining silent for too long instead of claiming our position of privilege and power as Your means to bring healing and restoration.
Lord of all nations, we gather together to lift our eyes toward You and to give You praise. In You there is no favoritism. Your compassion is our only hope. Through Your Spirit, embolden us to be Your people who arise for love and justice. Through Your protection and wisdom, stir within our local, national and international leaders a passion to make righteous choices that are for the good of all humanity. Convict the hearts and minds of the candidates to seek Your expansive way of freedom and flourishing for all.
And, in all that we say and do, give us courage to never stop pursuing our call to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You until all people are treated with dignity, respect and compassion.
Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayer.