Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,
Earlier this year, I offered a prayer to open the Maine Senate that began: “We bless you, loving and gracious God, for being God, and showing us that we are not.” While it prompted some knowing laughter in the chamber, it was a serious reminder for the legislators—and it is for us as we go into Election Day tomorrow.
We are not God, but our vote is a response to God’s ongoing call to do God’s work. Whenever we gather for worship, feed the hungry, steward the earth, care for immigrants, and support diocesan and church-wide ministries, or when we protest against injustice and write to share our views with elected officials, we say “we will,” to the questions asked in the Baptismal Covenant, “will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself,” and “will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being” (the Book of Common Prayer, p. 305).
In The Episcopal Church, #votingfaithfully is a tangible sign of our love for others and for God’s world. When you cast your ballot, I pray that your joyful heart, critical mind, and your commitment to neighbors and creation, to your faith, will guide and govern your vote.
I’m aware that many Mainers, and people throughout every state in our nation, feel anxious about the outcome of tomorrow’s election. My experience of you, beloved of the Episcopal church in Maine, is that you are they who rely on God to show the way, day in and day out. Hold onto hope not only for yourself, but also for your family, friends, and neighbors.
Here’s a prayer that I’m taking with me to the polling precinct tomorrow morning; I invite you to pray it too:
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges:
Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives;
that, by faithful administration and wise laws,
the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For an Election, the Book of Common Prayer, p. 822.
This message was sent via Constant Contact to subscribers and diocesan staff on Nov. 2, 2026.