To be “God’s people” is to practice self-control in a world of indulgence; to conduct ourselves publicly as witness to the Light, and to honor everyone amidst the churn of political insanity. Saint Peter challenges us to consider how our conduct preaches a different message than the surrounding culture that promotes economic gluttony, vitriolic competition, and a lust for power. We are not encouraged to collude with empire or to rebel against it, but to find the third way of Jesus that shows he is the one true Lord.
Christians are called to faithfully work for “the common good” as resident aliens in a foreign land. A core belief we hold is all people are worthy of dignity - God’s justice is for both oppressed and oppressors. Throughout history Christians, at our best, have transformed society by promoting human rights through our effort - establishing orphanages and hospitals, protecting women and other vulnerable groups. We trust God with human history; empires will come and go, but the Kingdom of heaven remains.
In a democratic society, this means that:
We can carefully participate in government and policy-making for the sake of the common good without wholesale allegiance to party.
We should support organizations working for the common good beyond government.
We must peaceably speak truth to the powers and principalities.
Almighty God, ruler of all, you have chosen us to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Through your son Jesus you called us out of darkness into your wonderful light. Help us to live as residents aliens in a foreign land.
Once we were ‘no people’, but now we are the people of God. Once we had not received mercy, now we have received mercy.
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
(Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Ron DeSantis, Buddy Dyer, Jerry Demings)
To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
(Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, Maxwell Frost, Anna Eskamani)
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. Give grace to your servants, O Lord. And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.