The following prayer was composed by interfaith leaders in Evansville, Indiana, and shared November 10 with faith leaders — Catholics and other Christians Muslims, Jews, Hindus and others. It is a local prayer, but perhaps one that could be customized for local communities nationwide.
Our God and God of those who have gone before us, we turn to you for strength, compassion and hope. As faith leaders in the greater Evansville area, we have seen the division, acrimony and ugliness of this election cycle permeate our community. In our houses of worship, in our neighborhoods and in the grocery store we have seen and felt the bitter divide.
God, help us all accept with grace and dignity the will of the American people. If the outcome was not to our liking, help us accept without demonizing our new President. If the outcome was to our liking, help us to always show humility and refrain from arrogance.
God, help us to appreciate the unique privilege of living in a free democratic society. Help us to appreciate the free exchange of ideas and the respectful dialogue – even when the disagreements are deep.
God, help us to remember that we are ALL created in your image and that “Love your neighbor as yourself” applies to each and every one of us. Now is the time for us all to come together, to live our lives in such a way that we each, uniquely, further our religious ideas and ideals. Homes for those who are housing insecure still need to be built, food for those who are food insecure still needs to be provided, dignity and full inclusion is still needed for those who have been demonized during this election cycle. Let us remember that that which ties us together as God’s children is so much stronger than that which may have divided us politically.
Together, we can work to bring a sense of peace and unity to our community. That togetherness can become contagious. May we draw our strength from you, O God and may our city, our state and our country prosper with newfound unity, hope and love.
Amen.