That’s the second verse of Psalm 146: Put not your trust
in rulers, nor in any child of the earth, for there is no help in them. We chanted the Psalm in church on Sunday. The Lectionary selection was surprisingly appropriate as we recuperate from last week’s election and the 2012 campaign!
Lord of nations & history,
I’m kneeling in the debris of another American election
campaign: the robocalls, talking heads and incessant TV ads. It was a feast of
fear and a famine of truth.
…but my glass is half full!
Power is transferred peaceably. We may disagree about the
outcome, but troops are not stationed in the streets. Our freedom - and this imperfect
democracy - are blessings not shared across the globe. Thanks be to God!
Lord Christ, we talk a lot about hope in our elections: hope
for change, for better times, for the nation’s better angels to prevail.
…but the new day and common purpose never quite
materialize. In our day, the thirst for political power seems to trump public service.
Therefore, my hope is not in a party, its platform or
candidates. I place my hope in you: your word, your promises, your power, your presence.
St. Paul tells us that our citizenship is in heaven.
(from Philippians 3:20) And the author of Hebrews writes: We have this hope as
an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (6:19)
Let us live as citizens of your Kingdom, first…and Americans,
second. Then, our great hope will be realized! Amen.
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