This prayer appeared in our church newsletter.
"Almighty God, we pray for peace on this upcoming Election Day. Protect our polling places and election workers, and make them places and people of peace.
We pray that the voting process will be straightforward, safe, and fair for everyone.
We pray, God, that you would bless each candidate with wisdom and grace as they seek positions of power and authority. Grant our leaders humble and virtuous hearts. We pray for our nation. May we come together for the common good and do as you require - to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen."
OK. It's nice. Who couldn't pray that--either party, even the non-voters, even immigrants and foreigners, tourists and children. But. . . here's the thing. Jesus is coming back--he said so. He described it in the words of Matthew 25. Scary stuff for a voter. He will come in his glory, and all the angels with him . . . now that's something to see! And it just doesn't sound like a Kum by ya (come by here) moment. All the nations will be gathered and Jesus is going to separate the sheep from the goats with the blessed inheriting the kingdom that has been prepared from the foundation of the world (see Genesis for details).
Then the shocker. Jesus says "Come" to those who have already been hanging out with him--even without knowing it--those who gave him food, water, clothing and welcomed him!
That's where I'm finding welcoming the unborn and caring for them in the Bible if your church tradition says abortion isn't addressed in the Bible. I think it's clear. There's no one more vulnerable and helpless and in need of a visit from a friend than those in the womb. The King of the Universe accompanied by the hosts of heaven came as a humble, naked, hungry baby, he came as your neighbor, so why would you the voter deny him for a political ideology of a woman's right to choose?
National elections come around every 4 years. I may not be here for the next one, and it's quite possible this issue won't be either. Another 4 years of abortion on demand and to term and beyond and this nation may culturally and morally be a very different place. This may be my last chance to be visiting with Jesus and the angels before he comes back.