Most merciful God, whose son Jesus Christ taught us to love and to serve: May we be guided by Your Holy Spirit in this time of decision for our nation.  Help us to remember that there are many in the world who do not have this freedom, and remember also the lives lost to fight for our right to vote. Grant us wisdom in our discernment as we choose our leaders and the grace to accept the results with humility – win or lose. And once the election is decided, give us all the strength and compassion to work to heal this divided nation, that we may be empowered in common purpose to work toward the noble ideals that are the foundation of our republic, and that we may together love and serve the poor, the sick, the captive, and the stranger. All this we ask in Your name. Amen.