A Southern Pastor: My Prayer

Divine Creator,

For this magnificent world and the privilege of living in it, I give you thanks. For this beautiful day and the freedom to worship as I choose, I am humbled and honored. May my actions and my words bring glory to you this day.

In a season such as this, with hate-filled political campaign commercials and so many decisions to be made, I pray that you grant me wisdom to make the right choices. As I vote to elect leaders who will direct the future of this land, let me be guided not by anger or division, but by love and reason.

Whomever is chosen to lead this nation, give them not only wisdom to see a clear path for our world, but also the courage to take that path, and the strength to follow it. Let them be guided by compassion and knowledge, not by money and power.

There are those who stand in solidarity today against destruction of this earth and disregard of human life. Strengthen their hearts and their bodies; allow justice to be found and followed. Convict the leaders of this nation to hear the pleas of the people over the roars of powerful structures, to speak up for justice, and lead us along a right path.

May we begin a new journey toward universal compassion, increased knowledge, respect for all living peoples and creatures, and communion with the Divine. And may that right path begin within me, as I seek you this day.

Amen

Melanie Tubbs is a professor, pastor, mother, Mimi, and true Arkansas woman. She lives with nine cats and one dog on a quiet hill in a rural county where she pastors a church and teaches history at the local university. Her slightly addictive personality comes out in shameful Netflix binges and a massive collection of books. Vegetarian cooking, reading mountains of books for her seminary classes, and crocheting for the churches prayer shawl ministry take up most of her free time, and sharing the love of Christ forms the direction of her life. May the Peace of Christ be with You.