Dear friends at Epiphany,
As Election Day approaches, our nation is deeply divided; and we are living in a time of great distress and uncertainty. In the midst of such division and anxiety, the Episcopal Church’s tradition of common prayer is a powerful source of unity for us. Indeed, our tradition of common, shared, corporate prayer is so essential to us as Episcopalians that our prayer book is called The Book of Common Prayer. Our common worship binds us together across all that might divide us. And right now, we need to be bound together in prayer more than ever. And so I encourage us to come together as a parish to pray for our nation, the upcoming election, and all who hold public office in our country. Here are several opportunities for prayer:
Election Eve Prayer Vigil, Monday, November 2
The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston is hosting an online prayer vigil on Monday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. Please register here to receive the Zoom link to join.
Election Day Prayer Services, Tuesday, November 3
On Tuesday, November 3, Epiphany parishioners will have two opportunities to gather online for prayer, silent reflection, and special prayers for our nation and the election, using The Book of Common Prayer. The services will last about 15-20 minutes; the Zoom links will be emailed to you on the morning of November 3.
12:00 p.m. – Noonday Prayer with Silent Reflection and Prayers for the Nation & the Election
7:00 p.m. – Compline with Silent Reflection and Prayers for the Nation & the Election
A Season of Prayer for an Election, October 27 – November 4
Forward Movement and The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations are sponsoring “A Season of Prayer for an Election.” For each day of this season, a prayer from The Book of Common Prayer has been selected, to help focus our petitions in this time. To access these prayers, click here.
Please offer your prayers for this election and for our country whenever and in whatever ways you can. God lovingly hears and receives each prayer we pray, and uses them in mysterious ways to enable God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, as Jesus taught us to pray.
Yours in Christ,
Sarah
