The NC primary

I voted today in the North Carolina primary. A minimal gesture toward fulfilling my stewardship as a citizen. I have definite ideas about who needs to win the November elections, but whatever the results, I pray for a government that will administer justice and equity.

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God of justice—

I give thanks for being able to vote—to have that voice in how my community, state, and nation are governed.
I give thanks that suffrage in the United States has extended as far as it has. I give thanks for the sacrifices and struggles that made that possible.
I give thanks that democratic government has become the norm—in theory, at the very least—in so many parts of the world. I give thanks for the sacrifices and struggles that have made that possible, and that continue to make it possible.

Through the scriptures, you have taught me that righteous government is a government that administers justice and equity.
You have challenged me to plead the cause of the poor and needy.
You have challenged me to lift up an ensign of peace—to sue for peace to all people.

I pray that elected officials in this country will stand for justice, equality, peace, the fight against poverty, and wise stewardship of the environment.
I pray for the election of a government dedicated to ending the war in Iraq in the context of promoting a more peace-minded and collaborative foreign policy.

In Christ's name, amen.