Election Day Prayers

Oh Canada!

Pretty sure it's not understating it to say that there's much at stake today.  More than usual in a federal election.  So much going on.  A lot to process and receive and analyze over these past weeks.  

I have so appreciated the articulate thoughts of many, both on line and in person; in well-balanced articles, in passionate rhetoric, in reasoned news reports, and in respectful conversations with people much more cognizant of all the issues and nuances than I.  

I have appreciated hearing from all the candidates, particularly the ones who came to my door, 

Today I will vote, of course!  I do not take that privilege for granted for one second, especially as a woman, especially in this point of time on our planet when so many have been stripped of so many rights.   I have weighed it out and will cast my ballot, and then watch with the rest of the country this evening as the results are tallied and our next government is formed.

But before that.

Tragedy in Vancouver on the eve of it all, just to remind us that life is precious, and insanity and chaos can change things in an instant.  And we grieve together with our Canadian bothers and sisters, not caring how they would vote today, but only that we share in their unspeakable loss.

I want to be careful not to distort the words of Paul written to a specific situation for the people of the church in Galatia.  He did not have politics so much in mind, but he was dealing with forces that would impose unnecessary restrictions on the people, and the threat of division.  As such, I do believe that his attempts to bring his readers back to 'the main thing' most certainly apply to our current affairs.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  

But do not use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature; 

rather, serve one another in love. 

 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 

"Love your neighbour as yourself." 

If you bite and devour each other, 

watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Galatians 5:13-15

Tomorrow the dust will settle and we will all be making decisions about what's next; how to be strong and confident and authentic as we step together into the future.   My prayer is that the Church of Christ will help lead the way in the way of Jesus.

God keep our land.