43
Prayer Before Election series seeks ‘peace and respect’ in contentious political times
By LINDA M. LINONIS
WARREN
The timing of the beginning of the Prayer Before the Election series at Blessed Sacrament Church was accidental. The first prayer program took place at 7 p.m. Monday, before the first presidential debate between Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump.
The plan, “to pray for the peace and respect needed to move through times of political difference,” remains the overall intention.
Pat Campbell, director of worship and music, said the church “has never done this before,” but discussion at a staff planning meeting resulted in the idea for the prayer sessions. Other ideas, including speakers, were discussed.
“There seems to be so much anger,” Campbell said, adding she hopes the prayer programs help people achieve peace within themselves.
Though totally unconnected, Campbell said she remembered the evening of Sept. 11 after the terrorist attacks. “People poured into the church to pray,” she said.
Though the contentious campaign and upcoming election are a completely different situation, she said, rhetoric has been heated and the country unsettled. “We want to give people a safe place,” Campbell said of the programs that will include prayers about the well- being of America. “It seems people are at each other’s throats.”
Campbell said the prayer sessions are open to people of all faiths. Taiz prayer program began the series and will alternate with evening prayer. “Taiz is ecumenical,” Campbell said. It includes sung and chanted prayers, meditation, silence and readings; there is no preaching.
Evening prayer is an ancient prayer of the church. The first evening prayer will take place at 7 p.m. Monday. Its goal, as noted in a flier for the program, is as “prayers of intercession for the needs of the world.”
Though elected officials come and go, God is the constant. “He is in charge. In Him, we find a place of hope,” Campbell said.
A flier on the prayer series asks participants to “agree to make our decisions based upon peace, justice, and as Pope Francis has directed us, mercy.”
Campbell said though Blessed Sacrament is a Catholic community, the prayer series is ecumenical in nature and open to all. “Leave the political pins at home,” she said, adding there will be no partisan presentations.
Campbell said about 14 people attended the first session. “The singing was wonderful, and the participation in the responses went beautifully. Hearing the words I had put together being prayed was humbling. I am very happy that folks found it meaningful,” Campbell said.
One of the petitions asked, in part, “In this time of preparation for the election, mercifully pour out the spirit of your wisdom on all candidates for public office. Open the hearts and minds of politicians to their responsibility for the well-being and peace of all. For ourselves, we ask that you do not let disagreement lead to division, but, instead, let us find the common ground that exists.”
She also noted that Terry Supancic, a member, shared that “the words of the prayers were very powerful” and that one song in particular touched her, “Lord Jesus Christ.” The text speaks about darkness and light. (“Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us, Let not my doubt nor my darkness speak to me. Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us. Let my heart always welcome your love.”)
Other selections included “Come and Fill Our Hearts” and “It is Good to Trust.”
Supancic shared with Campbell that people need to know that Christ’s light shines in the dark moments. Though there are concerns about the political situation, Supancic said, we need to remember Christ’s light gives us hope.
Samm Lewis, also a member, related to Campbell that she was surprised at the many different levels at which she experienced the prayer – her own prayers for the country, for herself, for the ability to make good choices and, since a good friend of hers is running for office in Warren, she thought about his situation as a candidate and as a community member.
Lewis said she planned to invite him to participate in the prayer series, noting she thought he would benefit from taking the time to pray with others about hopes for the future.
THE SESSIONS
The series theme is "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” Gatherings will feature evening prayer, also called vespers, and Taiz prayer that includes song and changed prayer, meditation, silence and liturgical readings.
Sessions: Most prayer sessions will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. in the chapel. The schedule is Monday, evening; Oct. 10, Taiz ; Oct. 17, evening prayer from 7 to 7:30; Oct. 24, Taiz ; Oct, 31, evening; Nov. 7, Taiz ; and Nov. 8, Election Day, evening prayer from 7 to 7:30.
Details: The prayers will be ecumenical; there will be no partisan presentations. Bring a friend or a political adversary.
Information: Call the parish office at 330-372-2215.