Prayer for Civility in Public Discourse, Pastors Baumann, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Port Angeles, March 2016
There have been many conversations among us sisters and brothers in Christ about the current loss of civility in public discourse, locally and nationally. We offer this prayer to you for your personal use and to share with others.
Almighty God:
Bless the public servants in the government of this town, Port Angeles, WA, that they may do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Help them use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life.
Bless us, the citizens of this town that we, in times of conflict, engage one another without hatred or bitterness, that we listen for your voice amid competing claims, and that we work together with mutual forbearance and respect.
Bless us, the voters in the upcoming presidential election. Help us elect trustworthy leaders, give us the wisdom to make the right choices for the benefit of our communities and inspire us to serve all our neighbors.
Bless the leaders of our land that we may be at peace among ourselves, and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Gracious God:
Where hearts are fearful and constricted, grant courage and hope. Where anxiety is infectious and widening, grant peace and reassurance. Where impossibilities close every door and window, grant imagination and resistance. Where distrust twists our thinking, grant healing and illumination.
All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.