Redeemer Family,
As the presidential election draws near and tensions in our country run high, it would be wise for us, as the people of the living God, to draw together in prayer for the peace, justice, health, and flourishing of our nation.
Therefore, I am inviting all of you (plus any friends, family, or neighbors) to a Pre-Election Prayer Vigil, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday evening, November 4.
Now, here’s what this IS and what it IS NOT:
What the Prayer Vigil is:
Liturgical prayer and free, extemporaneous prayer.
Space for stillness and silence.
Seeking the Lord and His will for our nation together.
Crying out before God for peace, justice, good governance, and just laws.
Humility before the Lord Jesus who is our true King.
What the Prayer Vigil is not:
A time of teaching in which Redeemer weighs in on political candidates.
An attempt to convince God to elect whichever candidate we prefer.
A space to be passive-aggressive in our prayers where we pretend to talk to God but are really using our prayers to criticize people who are politically different from us (my personal favorite!).
(Note: If you are interested in leaning into this time a bit more, you might consider re-listening to this sermon I preached on Palm Sunday earlier this year: The Posture & Purpose of Jesus’ Politics.)
Redeemer family, I love you all and I’ve been so encouraged by the thoughtful, nuanced, careful way that so many of you are engaging the political process. Well done! Keep it up. Let’s move forward into the coming weeks as people who are truly and delightfully different from what we hear on the news and read online.
In the midst of stress, let’s be cheerfully unfazed.
In the face of outrage, let’s use gentle words to turn away wrath.
In the presence of fear, let’s remain confident in our God.
And no matter what may come our way, let’s continue to find ways to pray for, love, serve, and honor those who appear to be our enemies. All with the deep resource that is the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus in the good news of the Gospel.
I’ll see you in the sanctuary at 2715 Grove Ave. on Monday evening, November 4. It will be a quiet, simple time for us to kneel before the Lord together on behalf of our nation.
In the Father’s love,
