A Prayer for Wisdom During the U.S. Presidential Election

While I have refrained from posting political essays recently, readers of my blog will know my political views and hopes for the common good. In the closing days of a troublingly divisive political campaign on all sides, I have been tempted to post one more essay, as if I could write a clarion call to sanity for the days ahead. Instead of writing that essay, I found a beautiful prayer to share from Alden Solovy. Alden Solvoy is a liturgist, poet, and teacher in the Reform Jewish tradition.

For Wisdom During U.S. Presidential Elections

God of Justice,

Protector and Redeemer,

Grant guidance to our nation

As we select leaders,

Senators, Congresspersons and a President,

The men and women who promise

To uphold the Constitution,

To uphold our values,

To serve and to govern,

To bring prosperity to our land,

To protect our homes and secure our future.

Grant wisdom and courage to voters

To select a visionary President

And steadfast leaders,

People who will serve our citizens,

And all who reside within our borders,

With honor and integrity

To forge a flourishing and peaceful future.

Bless our future President with

Wisdom and strength,

Fortitude and insight,

Balanced by a deep humanity

And a love of peace,

Leading us to a time

When liberty and equality will

Reign supreme throughout the land.

God of Truth,

Source and Shelter,

Grant safety and security to all nations,

So that truth and harmony will resound

From the four corners of the earth.

Let the light of our U.S. democracy

Shine brightly,

A beacon of hope

For every land and every people.

© 2016 Alden Solovy and www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved. This prayer is based on “For Wisdom during Democratic Elections.”

(From A Prayer for Wisdom During the U.S. Presidential Election | ReformJudaism.org)

[Solvoy is the author of Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing. His work also appears in several CCAR Press books, including a forthcoming anthology of his work, This Grateful Heart: Psalms and Prayers for a New Day (Summer 2017).]



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