A Citizen's Prayer for the Pending Election

A Citizen’s Prayer: Election 2016  
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Call to Prayer:
Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility. We are called to defend and preserve the dignity of our fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics. A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk. (Adapted from address of Pope Francis to the US Congress, September 24, 2015.) 

Reading: None of us can say, ‘I have nothing to do with this, they govern. . . .’ No, I am responsible I have to do my best by participating in politics according to my ability. Politics, according to the Social Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good. I cannot wash my hands. We all have to give something! A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of him or herself, so that those who govern can govern. And what is the best that we can offer to those who govern? Prayer! (Adapted from a homily of Pope Francis, September 13, 2013.)

And so let us pray . . .

Leader: God of all creation, in a world where life and dignity is threatened at every turn by racism, xenophobia, misogyny, consumerism, and environmental degradation, we pray for the grace to choose leaders who will build a nation where all of God’s creation is cherished and the dignity of each and every person is respected. 
Response: Creator God, grant us the grace of discernment.

Leader: Spirit of wisdom, make us mindful of our brothers and sisters who suffer from poverty, injustice, and violence, We pray for the insight to choose leaders who understand that the moral test of our society is how the poor, the weak, and the vulnerable are faring.
Response: Spirit of God, grant us the grace to choose wisely. 

Leader: Word of God, in this election season fraught as it is with conflict and division; where some pit neighbor against neighbor and try to turn us against ourselves, we pray for the courage to choose those who will labor to heal divisions and build the common good.
Response: Word of God, grant us the grace to stand in solidarity with all who seek to build your beloved community.

All: Good and gracious Triune God, we pray that through your mercy and ever abundant love these elections may lead to a world of greater peace, where justice is the norm, and all of God’s creation is treasured. Amen!

(created by the LCWR Office for Social Mission)