Prayer for the Election

We pray for our nation this week,

That we move beyond our fears and concerns

To discern what will serve the common good

for all members of our society.

We pray that we may respond to the call of solidarity

Rather than the call of separate interests.

May we be more concerned with successful community

Than with individual success.

We pray that we consider ways

Through difficult economic problems

That are compassionate and just

For all who struggle for their daily bread.

We pray that we dwell deeply on the call

To serve those in poverty

And recognize that all humans

Have the right to life with dignity

And with the basic services to promote human flourishing.

We pray that we take seriously

The call to be peacemakers,

Despite the complexities

In our local, national, and global conflicts.

We pray that we honor

Our responsibilities as citizens

Without resorting to the polarization

That limits our listening.

Guide us in the coming weeks in our process of discernment So we serve you Through our choices and

Our concern for the common good.

by Jane Deren educationforjustice.org

This prayer was taken from my parish bulletin. I am proud to share it here. It does not transgress the USCCB guidelines of Faithful Citizenship, nor does it increase the polarization in our church and world. It is a model of what Catholic engagement in the political process should look like and the principles it should be guided by.