Sovereign Lord and Almighty Father, we praise you, and we glorify your name as the One who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth.  It is only by your divine will and providence that lesser authorities exist and rule upon this earth.

Father, among the kingdoms of men, we are immensely blessed to live in a country that affords its citizens a voice in the election of those who govern our nation, our states, our counties, and our cities.  We know that there are hundreds of millions of people on this earth who do not enjoy this blessing, and we are grateful for the great sacrifices which have been made to secure and protect our right to vote in the free election of our leaders.  

Gracious God, our nation is bitterly divided right now on so many levels and for so many reasons.  Voices are loud and shrill, caustic and unkind.  Vitriolic expressions of discord and hate fuel acts of violence.  We cry out for your light in our darkness, guidance in our confusion, hope in our despair, and healing for our wounds.

Father, we pray that this election will proceed justly and fairly.  We pray that its ultimate result, which will be greeted with great joy by some and deep sorrow by others, will be accepted by all in peace and unity, acknowledging that the many precious things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us.  Dear Father, bless and protect all who seek and serve in the cause of justice, righteousness, and peace.  Confound and defeat all who seek violence, destruction, and harm.  

Lord, regardless of the outcome of this election, we commit to you our unaltered devotion and our highest allegiance, knowing that your kingdom is not of this world and our true citizenship is in heaven.  We pledge to you, Father, that our mission as your people upon this earth will remain unchanged.  We will continue to share the message of salvation through your Son Jesus Christ.  We will love and serve our neighbors, and we will live out that same love and service toward those who consider themselves our enemies.  We will extend compassion, mercy, and grace.  We will speak in kindness.  We will return evil with good.  We will seek peace and pursue it.

Father, we humbly ask these mercies from you, and we boldly petition you to grant these blessings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.