Dear friends,

And so we wait. All I can say about the presidential election is that by the time I press send on this email the situation will have changed. I have largely, and uncharacteristically, stayed away from the news and social media today, letting Joe and friends text me with any important updates. 

Waiting is hard work, particularly when we don’t know what is there for us at the end of our waiting. I admit that waiting and patience are not necessarily my best things. I know I am not alone in that. We are an impatient people, an impatient nation. We want results now. 
Our scripture is full of times of waiting. Abraham and Sarah wait for God’s promise of a son. That son and his descendants wait for God’s promise of a land of their own. In that land, Israel waits for God’s promise of a savior. Followers of Jesus wait on God’s promise of a time of justice and peace for all creation.

These are not waits of a couple of days or even weeks. These are waits of years, decades, lifetimes, generations. We’re still waiting for the dawning of that promised Kingdom of God. 

But scripture also tells us that God is present in the waiting, sustaining us in anxious and uncertain times. Our waiting does not have to be passive. Usually in times of waiting there is work to be done. Even in the short wait we are now experiencing we can actively pray for our country and for one another. My day began with a Zoom prayer meeting with my clergy colleagues, led by Bishop Wright. I invite you to close the day in prayer with us at online Eucharist at 8 p.m.

Here is the prayer for the day after the election, the ninth day of prayers on either side of the election.

Gracious God, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The service bulletin for tonight’s Eucharist, with prayers for the nation, is attached.

And RSVP for Sunday’s in-person worship in the Beech Grove here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F49ACA822A1FD0-church4

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