An Election Day Call to Prayer from Bishop Graves

October 26, 2020

Today, October 26, 2020, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett (North Alabama Conference Resident Bishop) and I released a call to prayer for the upcoming election on November 3. As you know, she and I share Episcopal duties for the state of Alabama. Therefore, it was crafted with an emphasis on one state. Click here to read statement. 

Because the bounds of our conference encompass two states, I am also releasing the below statement to include the states of Alabama and Florida. It is critical that my words are inclusive to all pastors, congregations and residents of both states.

Below you will find today's statement for the Alabama-West Florida Conference. 

Dear Friends,

I strongly believe that prayer makes a difference. Indeed, sincere and fervent prayer is an action that positively impacts our lives and the world in which we live. 

As the 2020 U.S. Election Day quickly approaches, I call United Methodists in the states of Alabama and Florida to two weeks of daily prayer for state and national leaders, beginning October 27 and concluding November 10. I also encourage the practice of praying daily throughout the year for the U.S. President, Vice President, Alabama Governor, National and State Representatives, Senators and other elected officials.   

I ask you to join me in praying for the following:

• those persons who are on the ballot during this election season as they finish their campaigning and await the election results;
• those persons who are elected to lead our nation and state;
• the transitions for any leaders who will be entering and exiting public office;
• the discourse about the elections to be civil and respectful in the halls of government, schools, work and churches;
• the embodiment of the rules for voting of our founder, John Wesley.*

The prayers of thousands of United Methodists in the states of Alabama and Florida positively affects those for whom we pray. It also changes us. Thank you for considering participating in this Call to Prayer.

Blessings,
 
Bishop David Graves                                                               
Resident Bishop                                                                       
Alabama West-Florida Conference                                              
 
*I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them,
1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worth.
2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against.
3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.  (John Wesley’s Journal entry on October 6, 1774)