Prayer Before an Election

Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and
concerns that confront our city/state/country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond
as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other
as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse
and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of
children unborn and those abandoned,
men and women oppressed because of
race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open
to hearing the voice of leaders
who will bring us closer to Your Kingdom.

We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders
who hear Your Word,
live Your love,
and keep in the ways of Your truth
as they follow in the steps
of Jesus and His Apostles
and guide us to Your Kingdom
of justice and peace.

We ask this in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ
and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

By United States Conference of Catholic Bishops