November 01, 2024
Dear Saint Mark’s Cathedral Community,
Over the past weeks, I’ve had the chance to speak with many of you about how we process uncertainty, especially the kind we feel around the upcoming election and its potential outcomes. The division within our country is palpable, and for some, it brings a mix of fear and apprehension.
In times of uncertainty, it’s natural to feel unsettled, but we need not face these feelings alone. Our faith provides us with a deep well of resources to process apprehension. I encourage you to find grounding in practices that can help steady us during this time.
When you feel overwhelmed, take a few moments to pause and breathe deeply. A simple breath prayer like, "Lord, grant me peace" can help bring calm and focus. We are also called to place our fears and anxieties in God's hands, so take time each day to pray—whether in gratitude or petition—allowing God to hold your worries and lighten your burden.
Reaching out to others can be another source of strength. Connect with friends, family, or a faith companion to talk, share, and pray together. This reminds us that we are not alone and that we are walking this journey side by side. In times of worry, serving others can also transform apprehension into love. Our faith calls us to express love, which is a powerful balm for anxiety. Whether it’s through a small act of kindness or a commitment to justice, each action connects us to hope.
Let us also return to God’s promises. Scripture reminds us of God’s enduring presence. Reflecting on passages such as Isaiah 41:10 (“Do not fear, for I am with you”) or Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”) can help center us in God's faithful care.
The mission of The Episcopal Church, as articulated in our Book of Common Prayer’s catechism, is “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” Aligned with that mission, we follow Jesus into relationships that are loving, liberating, and life-giving—with God, with one another, and with the earth.
To offer a place of peace and reflection on Election Day, the Cathedral will be open during polling hours for prayer and quiet presence, staffed with spiritual listeners and companions. We invite all who seek a peaceful space to come, sit, reflect, or simply be. Everyone is welcome.
Jesus teaches us to come before God with humble hearts, offering our thanksgivings and concerns or simply listening for God’s voice in our lives and the world. Whether in thought, word, or deed, individually or as a community, our prayers draw us into God’s loving presence. Below, you will find prayer resources for this election season, which we encourage you to use personally, with a small group, or within your congregation as we lift our nation in prayer.
“As the people of the United States cast their votes for the office of president and many other offices throughout the land, we gather to pray to the God who is the Creator of us all. We pray that we might learn to stand and hold each other’s hands as the children of God." Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
As we walk together in this season, please know that my prayers are with each of you. I hold you in my heart with deep love, trusting that God’s presence will guide us through with grace, peace, and hope.
God’s Blessings,
The Rev. Timothy M. Kingsley
Provost