"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

~ Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

Today’s Reflection

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we prepare our hearts to move beyond the election results next week, we turn to Your Word in Philippians 3:13-14, which tells us, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Lord, help us to embrace this spirit of moving forward together as one nation. Just as Paul learned to ››› continue prayer here ››› leave behind both his achievements and his failures, teach us to release the tensions and divisions of the campaign season. Even though we are still in the midst of this struggle; be preparing our hearts and minds for peace. There is currently much fear over division, even some speaking of great conflict that will occur after next week’s results. Guide us in writing a new chapter in our national story – one of unity, understanding, and shared purpose.

Father, we ask for healing where relationships have been strained by political differences. Give us the courage to take the first step in reaching out to those who voted differently than we did. Help us to see that our different perspectives can make us stronger when we learn to value and respect each other’s experiences and concerns. Bridge the chasms that have split familial relationships.

Within your Church, where there may be pieces, help bring peace. Grant us wisdom to focus not on past disagreements but on future possibilities. Where there has been hurt, bring healing. Where there has been anger, bring understanding. Where there has been division, bring reconciliation. Help us remember that we are not defined by our political choices but by our common humanity, and our shared citizenship; both in this nation and in Your Family.

And Holy Spirit, as a country of many faiths and beliefs, please help your Church be a light; guide us in finding ways to work together for the common good. Lord, may we, as a country, once again demonstrate to ourselves and to the world that we are truly “one nation under God,” capable of turning the page and moving forward in unity and strength.

In your name Jesus Christ, our ultimate source of reconciliation, we pray. Amen.

Today’s Prayer Points

• For the courage to reach out and rebuild relationships strained by political differences
• For wisdom to find common ground and shared goals across political divides
• For healing of wounds caused by harsh words or actions during the campaign
• For a renewed spirit of cooperation and shared purpose in our communities
• For the ability to see beyond political labels to our common humanity

Today’s Action Steps

• Identify one person with whom you’ve had political disagreements. Take a concrete step toward reconciliation – perhaps sending a message, making a call, or inviting them for coffee. Focus your conversation not your differences but on hopes for your community’s future.

• Record that you prayed for this in our online group on Prayer Nook

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Today’s Question

• What specific steps can we take in our daily lives to help our communities move forward together after the election?