The Gift of Freedom

The Apostle Paul once wrote, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become servants to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)

Today all across America we are going to the polls to vote. I hope you have voted or will vote today. It is a beautiful thing to live in a country where we have the freedom to vote for our leaders. Please don’t take that freedom for granted. 

My friend Roger Kunkel used to encourage us to ask ourselves, “If everyone were the same kind of citizen I am, what kind of country would we live in?” 

May we be the kind of citizens who use our freedom to make this country and this world a better place. In spite of our political differences help us to listen deeply to one another. Where we disagree with one another – may we do so in a spirit of love.

Let us pray: Most Gracious God, we come before you today with deep gratitude. We thank you that we live in a country where we are free to worship you, free to love and serve others, free to live and work where we please. We thank you also that you have set us free to live by your grace. Help us to use our freedom to join your kingdom work of spreading love, mercy, forgiveness, hope and justice. 

We pray today, especially for the next president of the United States. Whoever that may be, we humbly ask your divine blessing on him or her. Give them your wisdom, and fill them with your Spirit. Use this person, and us as a nation, as an instrument of your peace, mercy, and love. In Christ’ name we pray. Amen.