A Canadian Prayer at Election Time

God, guide our country through this federal election.
Thank you for all who run for public office,
and for the variety of political parties and opinions.
Thank you that we can go to polls
without threats and intimidation,
and that we can trust the outcome of the count.
Help us choose a government that will rule wisely,
thinking to the future and learning from the past.
We need a strong economy that leaves no one behind,
a government that walks justly in relation to Indigenous peoples,
and cares with them for our beautiful country.
These are soul searching times for all countries;
do we want to reach out to help a hurting world,
or retreat behind our borders stockpiling weapons?
Forgive us for forgetting that you created
this beautiful blue planet with no borders.
Help us all find the better angels of our nature
so we can learn to live in peace.
We need peace close to home as well—
we pray for all who are uneasy in body and spirit,
who are trying to find ways to mend broken relationships.
Bring healing to those we love who are sick,
and strength for all who are caregiving.
Comfort those who grieve.
Keep us grounded this week in the gospel of grace
that Jesus shared with us;
the power of love conquers even death.
Thank you for this congregation,
a community of hope, loving and supporting one another,
reaching out to those in need.
We do this all in the name of Jesus,
Amen.