Respond with prayer during elections

Primaries for the presidential election are in full swing, and opinions are flying high as to which candidate is most qualified to do the job.

If one is following news reports, it can be tempting to get emotionally worked up about candidates and start to feel tension, even anger, over some of the divergent positions taken. I’ve had friends protest about some candidates, “If they get elected, I’m leaving the country!”

One way I keep myself from getting heated and tense about politics is to realize that I can do more than mindlessly react to what is coming at me through the media. I can pray about what I’m hearing and contribute to a collective state of mind in this country that promotes calm and intelligent reasoning during the electoral process.

Just as every vote counts in the outcome of an election, every opinion we cast into the public debate has a ripple effect on what neighbors feel and respond to. If we are lobbing anger, bitterness and fear toward others, we are adding tension, strain and strife that clouds sound judgment. If we respond with respect and open-mindedness, we contribute to a public discussion that is more thoughtful and promotes clear decision-making.

And prayer can make all the difference in our response because prayer seeks out God’s will above our own. It includes putting aside blind personal opinion, silencing ego and pride and letting divine love guide our thoughts and words rather than self-righteousness. It enables us to better fulfill the Golden Rule, “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” Matthew 7:12 NKJV. Which could also be interpreted to mean: Treat others as you would have them treat you, and speak to others as you would have them speak to you.

Vigorous debate in the public arena over what policies will prosper the country is healthy. It affords opportunity for different points of view to be entertained, alternate possibilities to be considered, outdated models to be dropped and progressive ideas to be considered.

Ideas frequently clash, but there doesn’t have to be animosity, spite, bitterness and revenge if one person disagrees with another. There can be consideration and respect that opens the collective thought to what is doable and serves the greater good.

Taking a moment to pray before opening our mouth gives the divine influence a chance to calm our mind, inspire us with constructive thoughts to share and words that unite rather than divide.

We cannot control what our neighbor says, but we can control what we say.

And a heartfelt prayer to participate in the public debate with love and respect can make all the difference. It allows for the presence of God to be felt more tangibly in the voting process. It can have a calming effect on others and help everyone touched think more clearly about how best to cast their vote.

This story was originally published March 13, 2016 at 12:03 AM with the headline "Respond with prayer during elections."