With Election Day under one month away, I want to share some tools for prayer and civil conversations. I appreciate these five questions for how to have conversations with people who disagree with you: (1) Which life experiences have shaped your views? (2) Imagine for a moment that you got what you wanted in regards to this issue. How would your life change? (3) For those who disagree with you, what would you like them to understand about you? (4) What do you want to understand about those with whom you disagree? (5) Why is this personally important to you?

And, these prayers for the election season put together by the WI Council of Churches; they have more prayer resources on their website, www.wichurches.org/elections.

Loving your Neighbor in Election Season: Seven Prayers with Seven Scriptures

You can pray one each day of the week, when you read the morning news or social media, at your lunch break or at the end of a troubling day. Or, you can pray the prayer you need in that moment.

On your way to the polls, conventions, or demonstrations

When our anger leads us to roads of rage; Spirit of Wisdom, guide us to take hopeful action.

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." - Psalm 34:14

When the news is disturbing

When hopelessness troubles us; Gentle God, may we know Your presence is with us.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." -John 14:27

When social media posts or politics threaten friendships

When politics and systems of the world threaten to divide us; Prince of Peace, reign in us.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:15

As political signs are posted

When we see our neighborhoods covered with blue and red signs; Creator God, remind us You created every one of us, all our neighbors, in Your image.

"If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." - Romans 12:18

When we feel defeated, or don't want to engage with others

When our despair causes us to withdraw; O Lord, remind us that we belong together.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." - Matthew 5:9

When your mental health is affected

When our anxiety keeps us up at night; God Who Watches Over Us, grant us restful sleep.

"I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, 0 Lord, make me lie down in safety." - Psalm 4:8

When fear of what might happen overwhelms us

When hope seems but a glimmer; Eternal One, remind us that seeds take time to be planted.

"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace." - James 3:18