An Election Day Breathing Prayer

Claiming a sacred space for ourselves and others

For so many, this election season has been weighty and overwhelming. Personal relationships have been damaged, coalitions have been tested, and spirits have been stretched to the brink.

I offer this prayer in the hopes that, over the next few days, we might claim a sacred space for ourselves and others.

An Election Day Breathing Prayer

Inhale: God, You beckon me forth
Exhale: Hear my prayers
Inhale: Prayers for my soul
Exhale: Prayers for souls around me

Inhale: Grant me empathy
Exhale: Grant us justice
Inhale: Grant me courage
Exhale: Grant us love

Inhale: When I don't believe it
Exhale: I am wonderfully made
Inhale: When I don't see it
Exhale: Others are wonderfully made

Inhale: I may rejoice
Exhale: Others may rejoice
Inhale: I may rage
Exhale: Others may rage

Inhale: I may grieve
Exhale: Others may grieve
Inhale: I may falter
Exhale: Others may falter

Inhale: I need grace
Exhale: Others need grace
Inhale: You offer grace
Exhale: May we all accept grace

Inhale: I have done the work
Exhale: Others have done the work
Inhale: We have done the work
Exhale: There is still work to do

Inhale: Let empathy be the strength
Exhale: Let justice be the song
Inhale: Let courage be the soil
Exhale: Let love be the season

Inhale: God, I am here
Exhale: Hear my prayers
Inhale: Prayers for my soul
Exhale: Prayers for souls around me

Amen

I have already said this prayer many times on the election day eve, and I suspect it will be on repeat as I watch local and national election results roll in. I hope it will be helpful to you as well.