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Weekly Words for the Journey
To My Beloved PBBC Community
Golden Rule 2020: A Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics
American Baptists join other churches and denominations to offer special prayers as we approach our national election. We are encouraged to pray for our leaders and for our country.
A Responsive Reading
We acknowledge that God calls us to show respect to everyone –
regardless of their views on difficult issues that divide our country.
In response to God’s commandment, we will strive to treat those
who have different views as we want to be treated by them.
As we advocate for what we believe, help us to remember that the Bible
tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.”
In response, we will seek to do more listening
so that we might learn from others.
We remember that Jesus said we should forgive the sins against us
not just seven times, but “seventy times seven.”
In response, we will remember to forgive those who say harsh things about us
and resist the temptation to respond in kind when we are attacked.
We know that, as Christians, we are told to work for
increased understanding, justice and peace for all people.
In response, we will do what we can during the year ahead
to stay mindful of the sacredness of each person
and to apply Jesus’ Golden Rule in our personal lives and in our political activity.
We come together today to pray for our country but also for ourselves. We are thankful for the blessings of living in the United States, but increasingly fearful for our future because of the enmity and bitterness we see between our fellow citizens. Help us to be more mindful of your teachings and to act in love to help heal the deep divisions in our country. We pray that you will keep us mindful of your great command to “treat others as we want to be treated,” and that you will help us find ways to apply that principle in our daily lives. We believe that your way of love and kindness can transform our country and ask your assistance as we seek to show that love to others – especially those who hold views very different than our own. Amen.
Joining with you and with all of our sisters and brothers in faith, Pastor Claudine