In this week’s edition of our weekly newsletter from Scott Gunn and the Forward Movement team, Scott reflects on what has happened to our political discourse, and considers the role we Christians can play—no matter our personal politics—in this election season.
Dear friends in Christ,
Most readers of this letter will live in the United States, where we are in the midst of party primaries to determine our candidates for President of the United States in next November’s election. Opinions about candidates and the future direction of our nation vary widely. And that is an understatement. What I think nearly everyone agrees on, however, is that the tone of our discourse is not what it should be.
My intention here is to be scrupulously non-partisan. But I do think there is an important role for all Christians in this year’s election, regardless of our party, views, or ideology. Surely, we can all unite in prayer for our leaders, for those seeking public office, and for our nation. There are a number of prayers for national life starting on page 820 of the Book of Common Prayer. I especially commend to you the prayer for our country:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For all these things, let us pray.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
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