In Which We Have an Election (Prayer)

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, November 8, 2016

In Which We Have an Election (Prayer)

It is seldom I have difficulty formulating a thought. This evening, however, I am having that kind of difficulty.

The last few months have been challenging, divisive, and…difficult. To say the least.

I am so grateful to my good friend Episcopal Vicar Josh Thomas, and the website he maintains, www.dailyoffice.org. I humbly offer this Election Day prayer which he wrote, in hopes that it will begin to patch up the icy rifts and hurtful holes and jagged gashes in our American society, and between individuals, friends (sometimes former-friends), and even within families.

This has been quite an election season. Please God, may we roll up our sleeves and get to the business of forgiving, healing, working, and loving.

Here is Josh’s prayer:

For U.S. Election Day 2016
By Josh Thomas

Holy God, we ask your blessing on the election of a new President and Congress of the United States. This is such a divisive year, with very different visions offered by the candidates, with a background of war in many nations and the reality of violence at home. The results of our choices will resound throughout the world. Bless the candidates and voters; make all of us responsible for our actions; give us a clear result and a humble acceptance of the outcome, that peace and justice may prevail in this and every nation; through Jesus Christ, who came to save us from discord and violence and lead us to your heavenly home. Amen.

(Dear God, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.)

@chaplaineliza

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Day #17 – Buy One, Get One Free? Except When I Forget . . .

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, March 9, 2015

Day #17 – Buy One, Get One Free? Except When I Forget . . .

I read today’s post with the suggestion for the day before I left the house this morning. I really did. And then, I promptly forgot it.

I did have some other things on my mind today, though. I needed to bring the car in to the car dealer for some maintenance. (With the help of the dealer, I actually caught one of the local car repair places in some shady business dealings—but I’m not posting about that right now.)

Hindsight is so often 20/20. Looking back over the day, I ordered and went through a coffee shop’s drive-through window. I could have paid for the person behind me! Simple enough. But, no. I completely forgot about today’s generous suggestion . . .

One wonderful thing about today? It was the first beautiful day of the year! Sunny, almost fifty degrees, soft breeze. The outside air felt almost like spring. I was so happy to be out and about, driving to the office from the car dealership.

As I stopped to pay for my coffee, I spoke with the employee. Young man, tall, curly haired. Pleasant looking, friendly to talk to. I struck up a conversation. He acknowledged that the weather outside was, indeed, beautiful! But, he seemed down in the dumps after he said that. I asked him what was the matter. (Just as I’d ask a sad parishioner what was the matter.) He hesitated, and then I think he saw I was truly interested in his response.

“Oh, work. I just work all day, and then go home. Go to bed, and get up in the morning. And then it starts all over again.” His face fell. He really seemed sad, almost resigned to his fate.

I looked at him and smiled gently in response. “I’m sorry you feel that way. Do you feel like that a lot?”

“Yeah, pretty much. Except I do get to talk to people in this job. A lot of people. That’s okay.”

“That sounds great! You have the opportunity to give them smiles. Say ‘good morning,’ or ‘good afternoon.’ Being cheerful and friendly could really help someone who is down or sad. Listening to someone can help, too.”

He looked closely at me. I could almost see the wheels turn in his mind. He thought about what I said as he gave me my coffee.

“Have a great day. Really and truly.” I waved as I got ready to drive away into the lovely afternoon. The young man’s face brightened. He smiled at me and waved back.

God, be with this young man. I honestly tried to encourage him. I hope it helped. Please, help him find a good opportunity, a good fit. Thanks, Lord!

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .