Monday Musings of Pastor Ron - October 19, 2026

Friends,

Today is the first day of early voting for the mid-term election. I encourage each of you to consider your responsibility to vote. We are the voice of the nation. Make sure yours is heard. We have a responsibility to speak for those who cannot. Vote your conscience, vote your beliefs. The world will tell you there is a correct way to vote and of course that way depends on who you are talking to. I encourage you this morning to vote as you hear the Holy Spirit guiding you to vote.

For me, this has been one of the most contentious, most disappointing election cycles I have experienced in my lifetime as a voter. The rhetoric has been deplorable. Attacks on candidates of both parties, by both parties have reached a higer level than ever. Fear mongering has overshadowed policy. I have talked with poll workers over the last few weeks and many of them are fearful of what may occur at polling places around the Country. Fearful that the hate and fearmongering will turn to violence. I pray today that peace will be the norm as we fulfill our responsibility to vote. I pray for the safety of those who go to the polls and those who volunteer at the polls.

A dear friend introduced me last week to Rev. Peter Marshall. He was a Scottish preacher who came to the United States in 1924 and became the Senate Chaplain. On election day in 1947 he prayed a prayer that carries much meaning even today. I reprint it here for all of us as we enter this election cycle. May it be a reminder of our moral responsibility as Christians and citizens to go to the polls, but in a peaceful, non-judging and loving way.

Lord Jesus, we ask Thee to guide the people of this nation as they exercise their dearly bought privilege of franchise. May it neither be ignored unthinkingly nor undertaken lightly. As citizens all over this land go to the ballot boxes, give to them a high sense of privilege and joyous responsibility. Help those who are about to be elected to public office to come to understand the real source of their mandate—a mandate given by no party machine, received at no polling booth, but given by God; a mandate to govern wisely and well; a mandate to represent God and truth at the heart of the nation; a mandate to do good in the name of Him under whom this Republic was established. We ask Thee to lead America in the paths where Thou wouldst have her walk, to do the tasks which Thou hast laid before her. So may we together seek happiness for all our citizens in the name of Him who created us all equal in His sight, and therefore brothers. Amen.

Rev. Peter Marshall to the U.S. Senate

Take a moment to reflect on his words and say a prayer for our Country, our leaders, the people that volunteer at our polling places, and for each of our brothers in sisters. We live in a wonderful nation, and it is our responsibility to vote with a sense of joy and privilege says Rev. Marshall.

God bless you. See you Sunday