Gathering Music

Call to Prayer

What does the Holy One require of us?
To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.

Out of the depths of this season of pain we cry to you, O God:
Hear our voice and answer our prayers!

Opening Song

“For the Healing of the Nations”

Reading

Matthew 5:1-11; 43-48 (NRSV)

1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your God in heaven; for God makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your siblings, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly God is perfect.

Time of Reflection

Prayer of the Day

God of mercy, our nation is in a time of great transition. With all of the injustice and fear in our world today, we ask you to inspire us and guide us as we participate in the election. We seek a government that upholds and protects human rights and justice for all its citizens, regardless of race, class, gender, or religion. Help us elect trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and to serve you faithfully in our generation.

Open our ears to hear the prophets who cry out in your name, and to follow the truth they speak, lest we support injustice and seek to secure our own well-being. Move and inspire us by your presence among us in the most vulnerable in our society – for their tears are your tears, their pain is your pain, their suffering is your suffering. In the name of the one who welcomes the stranger, we pray. Amen.

Sung Response

“We Resist”

Blessing

Sending

“Guide My Feet”

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Worship Notes:

Call to Prayer: based on Ps. 130:1–2 and Mic. 6:8

Prayer of the Day: adapted from a prayer by Anna Misleh and from the Book of Common Worship https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/election-prayers
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/wp-content/uploads/PVO-JR-BCW-2018.pdf

Blessing: based on Phil. 4:8–9