I try not to let the news be the first thing I wake up to. I do my best to resist the temptation to “find out what I missed” until I’ve had the chance to orient myself to something greater, until I’ve spent some time in scripture and prayer. But yesterday I couldn’t wait. I scanned the headlines, the maps, vote counts, and graphs. I couldn’t help but feel anxiety over this election and over the deep divides in our country, sharing in the collective angst that’s felt across the nation, I think.

My reading that morning led me to Psalm 72. I read it and then read it again. And then I read it aloud. This morning I found myself drawn to it again, praying it.

Scripture has a lot to say about how one should lead and what causes one should champion. 

The Bible is absolutely political. I just wish it didn’t feel so radical. 

No matter who wins this contentious election, this is and will be my prayer over our future leaders:

Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the royal son!
May he judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice!
Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
and the hills, in righteousness!
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the children of the needy,
and crush the oppressor!

May they fear you while the sun endures,
and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
like showers that water the earth!
In his days may the righteous flourish,
and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

For he delivers the needy when he calls,
the poor and him who has no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
and precious is their blood in his sight.

Long may he live;
may the gold of Sheba be given to him!
May prayer be made for him continually,
and blessings invoked for him all the day!
May there be abundance of grain in the land;
on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
may its fruit be like Lebanon;
and may people blossom in the cities
like the grass of the field!
May his name endure forever,
his fame continue as long as the sun!
May people be blessed in him,
all nations call him blessed!

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
Amen and Amen!

Psalm 72:1-7, 12-19