Prayers to End Hunger: Elections

Dear Friends,

In the aftermath of elections, the balance of power may shift. But no matter what happens, we know that our goal remains the same: a world without hunger. 

In this week following the election, let us stand together, pray together, and continue to speak up to people in power. Let us speak on behalf of the child who is hungry on the playground, the senior whose budget is too tight to include fresh fruits and vegetables, and the family across the globe who has been displaced by conflict and doesn’t know where the next loaf of bread will come from.  

After the 2024 election, we shared this passage from Philippians 4:4-7, which reads:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This passage invites us to continue the practices of finding joy, moving with gentleness with those around us, expressing gratitude in our requests to God, and trusting in God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds. These practices, no matter the circumstances, guide us as we continue to speak up to people in power to advocate for the end of hunger.

So, as we prepare to speak to newly elected leaders, let us come together in prayer:

God of Power and Mercy,
The ballots have been cast.
Some votes are still being counted.
We pray our new leaders will never forget those 
who do not have enough daily bread.

We rejoice in you,
and ask you to ground us in your peace,
move us to gentleness with one another, 
Remind us of your promises,
and help us see your good work around us.

We pray for those involved in the election process, 
for those elected and those who were not,
for those who voted and those who did not,
that after the votes are cast, we would all come together 
to create a world that cares for all our neighbors.

Above all, we ask for peace,
for the resilience of our democracy,
and for courage to speak up for 
those who do not have enough to eat.

We lift these prayers to you, the One we trust,
the One we follow,
Jesus the Christ.

Amen.