In the aftermath of a US election, the results of which will reverberate around the world, we offer prayers and poems for you and your faith community.
Some of these words, such as Thom Shuman’s poem-prayer that “we will hold tight to one another as grace walks us home” were written in direct response to the American election 2024. Some are well-worn affirmations which we use in our daily worship, others adapt old wisdom for new days.
here is what i will cling to
here is what I will cling to
this day, and i pray, in all
those days to come,
that
when the hurlers of hate
are the loudest, love’s whispers
will be heard in our hearts.
that
when the demagogues of despair
think they have convinced the crowds,
hope will be marked on more ballots.
that
when cruelty targets outsiders,
trying to sell us locks for our doors,
more folk will put out welcome mats.
that
when gangs of grudges lurk
like frighteners in the shadows,
we will hold tight to one another
as grace walks us home.
(c) 2024 Thom M. Shuman
Into the wonder of this new day
With people everywhere
we affirm God’s goodness
at the heart of humanity,
planted more deeply than all that is wrong.
Into the wonder of this new day
we come, as we are,
with our hopes, our fears, our dreams and our longings.
With people everywhere
we believe that a new community of hope
can be realised on earth as it is in heaven
when we recognise the wrong we do to others
and release those who wrong us.
Into the wonder of God’s generous love
we come with our frailty and our wounds,
seeking forgiveness, offering acceptance.
With all creation
we celebrate the miracle and wonder of life,
the unfolding purposes of God
forever at work in the bird song and the trees,
in the sun rising, and in the moon setting.
Into the mystery of pain and uncertainty
we breathe with the breath of God,
cherishing the peace of Christ when all is in flux.
With all creation
we believe in the power of togetherness
where differences are celebrated and
all are open to transformation.
Into the arms of God’s community of hope
we bind ourselves in a web of belonging
greater than anything we can imagine.
The Jesus Prayer
God in heaven,
your name is to be honoured.
May your new community of hope
be realised on earth as it is in heaven.
Release us from our wrongdoing
as we also release those who wrong us.
Do not test us beyond our enduring;
save us from all that is evil.
For you embrace justice, love and peace,
now and to the end of time.
Amen
(Adapted by the Iona Community)
USA North East