As I prepare to preach in a beloved ‘purple’ congregation – and following several inquiries along these lines – here are four resources to support your prayers, preaching, and self-care this Sunday and beyond.

ONE

With deep gratitude to Rev. Anna Kendig Flores, Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area’s Antiracism Coordinator, here is her Preaching, Praying the 2024 Election with Equity in Mind. Rev. Anna will continue to populate it with links, but her own words and guidance are brilliant stars in the midnight skies.

TWO

Diana Butler Bass followed her Midnight in America… and morning is a long way off, with a ‘video pep talk’, reflecting on the Revised Common Lectionary’s Psalm for this Sunday, Psalm 146. The talk is entitled The Work of Democracy Begins (again), and includes reference to – and a riff on – Howard Thurman’s poem, The Work of Christmas. Your sermon may just about write itself – no matter your context.

THREE

Bishop Bill Tesch of the NW MN Synod (ELCA) shared this prayer – one we can repeat in worship and in personal prayer for the foreseeable future:

“How do I love each and every neighbor that you put in front of me today, God? How do I do this not just today, but every day – not just for four years, but for the rest of my life? God, teach me to love.” Amen.

FOUR

Rev. Karen Larson, with whom I’m leading worship this Sunday, introduced me to author, Mennonite pastor, and Spacious Faith liturgist, Joanna Harader who – along with her poignant liturgical pieces – created a self-care Post-Election Day BINGO Card for all of us struggling with post-election emotional turmoil.