Read: Matthew 22:34-40

Reflect: Today I cast my absentee ballot for the November 3rd election, and I was grateful to be able to do so. I’m thankful for those early morning volunteers who patiently reminded each of us to make sure we’d signed the ballot envelopes. As I drove away, I reflected on the care and labor it takes to make sure each resident receives a ballot with the correct candidates for their precinct, and gave thanks for the people who work so diligently behind the scenes to make our election process one of the best in the world! I’m also thankful for all those who have been committed this election season to digging through all the partisan rhetoric to present voters with unbiased, truthful information on the candidates and the issues before us all! In these days leading up to Election Day, I encourage you to dig deeply for the truth, and then take your faith with you when you go to cast your vote.

Prayer: Sovereign God, your Son Jesus lived within the structures of society even as he spoke truth to those in power and challenged systems of oppression. Empower us to be courageous disciples and responsible citizens. Grant that our life in the public realm be grounded in love for our neighbors, care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (from All Creation Sings, p. 50. ©2020 Augsburg Fortress, used by permission.)