Here are some intercessions and prayers for the upcoming elections that you can select from and adapt for use in your Sunday and weekday Masses and in your own personal prayers.
(Click here to download these prayers as a Word file)
Sample intercessions
Diana Macalintal
Let us pray for the world and all its leaders [silence]:
May leaders of nations have the courage to walk the path of peace together
so that the most vulnerable in their lands may live with dignity and hope. We pray.
Let us pray for our nation in this time of discernment, election, and transition [silence]:
May all citizens cast their vote in a spirit of reverence for this right, charity for those they disagree with,
and concern for the good of all as we strive for a more perfect and peaceful union. We pray.
Let us pray for all Christians and people of faith and goodwill [silence]:
May the Father of all grant us in Christ a spirit of wisdom and understanding,
counsel and knowledge, fortitude, right judgment, patience, and kindness,
as we discern what is good and just and follow our conscience. We pray.
Let us pray for all candidates who desire to serve in our national and local government [silence]:
May all seeking election commit themselves to the common good and encourage a peaceful response
so that our nation may be faithful to its pledge of liberty and justice for all. We pray.
Let us pray for our presidential candidates [silence]:
May those who seek the immense responsibility of the highest office of the United States
know the peace that comes from God alone. May they and their families be protected from harm,
the hearts of their opponents be softened by mercy, the people they seek to lead show them respect,
and may God forgive them and each of us our faults. We pray.
Let us pray for reconciliation among families and friends divided [silence]:
May we learn to love each other despite our differences
and focus on the work that continues beyond this election:
the work of unity, respect for one another and for all life, and peace in our land. We pray.
Let us pray for the ones most affected by the choices we make [silence]:
In all we do, may we keep the merciful face of Christ ever before us
who is seen in those who are poor, refugees, or migrants,
those who are sick or without homes, those without food or meaningful work,
those unborn, and those whose lives are unvalued. We pray.
Sample intercessions
adapted from intercessions from the USCCB, for a Presidential Inauguration
For the nations of the world, to engage in a cooperative spirit toward lasting peace and justice for all, we pray to the Lord…
For our nation, to continue to promote liberty and freedom, justice and peace for all, we pray to the Lord…
For the people of the United States, to engage in a spirit of cooperation, tranquility, and respect for one another and for all human life as good stewards of the gifts God has given us, we pray to the Lord…
For the one who will be elected our new President, to have before them at all times the charge to protect and defend the rights of all citizens, especially the weakest and most vulnerable among us, we pray to the Lord…
For all civic authorities, entrusted with care for the common good, to act with loving care in all they do, we pray to the Lord…
For the Church and its leaders, to serve as beacons of the light of Christ in a world in the shadows of fear, violence, poverty, and death, we pray to the Lord…
An Election Season Prayer
Fr. James Martin, SJ, with Michael D’Amico
God, I know that I don’t have to get angry.
I don’t have to get worked up.
I don’t have to get depressed.
And I don’t have to throw anything at the TV.
I just have to use my conscience and vote.
So help me remember
what Jesus taught in the Gospels,
and what our church teaches,
especially about the poor, the refugee, the migrant,
the sick, the homeless, the unborn, the disabled,
the hungry, the elderly and the lonely.
Help me remember the “least” among us,
and help me ponder in my heart
how to cast my vote for the good of all.
God, I know that no candidate is perfect,
because I’m not perfect either,
the last time I checked.
So free me of the burden of having to
vote for someone who satisfies
all my desires for a candidate.
My candidate will be imperfect,
like me.
Help me to be grateful for the ability to vote,
because not everyone has that privilege.
And when I meet people voting for someone else,
help me to take a deep breath and
give them the benefit of the doubt,
because they are following their consciences, too.
Help me remember
that even though they sometimes drive me nuts,
I don’t have to argue with them,
I don’t have to convince them,
I don’t have to hate them,
And I don’t have to demonize them.
Then, after the election, help me work for unity.
Because I know that’s what you want.
Amen.