A word, a prayer, and a song for the world after the 2016 election

November 9th, 2016 Yesterday, across the United States, citizens exercised their right to vote for the leadership of their country. Today, may we stand united in prayer for all those who have accepted the mantle of leadership: that they might find strength and wisdom to lead our communities and country in the days ahead. We pray that they remain always focused on the common good, continually shaping through their words and actions a more just and peaceful world.  We are grateful for the dedication of public servants who devote their lives to serving all peoples of the United States. We are especially grateful and pray for the countless United Methodists who live out their faith as county commissioners, sheriffs, judges, state legislators, and members of the U.S. Congress. Despite the long and rancorous road to this election, let us pray that we, as faithful witnesses, find renewed strength for the journey ahead as we hold leaders accountable to supporting policies that transform our world into a more just and peaceful home. May we all renew our promises to be faithful to the ways that lead to peace and abundant life. Let us hold onto the promise that peace will come in our day. Peace, Susan Henry-Crowe A word, a prayer, and a song for the world after the 2016 election Remembering the words of Abraham Lincoln With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. May we pray with the great Methodist theologian, Georgia Harkness, This is my prayer, O Lord of all earth’s kingdoms; Thy kingdom come; on earth thy will be done. Let Christ be lifted up till all shall serve him, And hearts united learn to live as one. O hear my prayer, thou God of all the nations; Myself I give thee; let thy will be done.   Let us sing together, For the Healing of the Nations  Lead us forward into freedom;  from despair your world release,  that redeemed from war and hatred,  all may come and go in peace. Show us how through care and goodness  fear will die and hope increase, fear will die and hope increase. (Fred Kaan 1965) The prayer and song can be found in the United Methodist Hymnal