November 8, 2016

Dear friends in the Diocese of Maine,

In the midst of all the division and polarization in our state, our nation, and our world, in the midst of disrespect and name-calling, we are invited to be kind.

In the midst of all the violence, the wars and rumors of war, we are invited to be gentle, to make peace.

In the midst of calls to take sides, to choose for ourselves and against others, we are invited to be friends with all, to seek Christ in every person and to respect the dignity of every human being.

Going forward after this long season of politics, we need the calm, steady, kindly presence of people who are not flapped by what is happening around them, who believe that God is with them and that God can be trusted come what may.

Tonight we elect a President, not a savior. What we’re doing in the polling booth is a reflection of our values and our commitments.

The manner in which we conduct our lives is a sign of the trust we have in God and that all things are possible with God. In the midst of our many lamentations, may we have confidence in God’s presence among us.

Please pray with me this prayer from the New Zealand Prayer Book:

Lord, 
it is night.

The night is for stillness. 
Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day. 
What has been done has been done; 
what has not been done has not been done; 
let it be.

The night is dark. 
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own                

lives rest in you. 

The night is quiet. 
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, 
all dear to us, 
and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn. 
Let us look expectantly to a new day, 
new joys, 
new possibilities.

In your name we pray.
Amen.