On the eve of Tuesday’s election, Presbyterians gather online to pray
More than 300 register for a vigil that centers reading Scripture, singing and praying
LOUISVILLE — Hours before Tuesday’s midterm elections, Presbyterians and their friends gathered online Monday evening to pray, sing and read Scripture together. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and United Methodist Church held their own vigils at the same time. More than 300 people registered for the PC(USA)’s vigil.
“We’re called to uphold both our sacred and civic duty,” said the Rev. Christina Cosby of the Office of Public Witness, “to decide how we might use our voice and vote.”
The Co-Moderators of the 227th General Assembly (2026), the Rev. Dr. Kris Schondelmeyer and the Rev .Marta Pumroy-Cordero, offered their recorded opening prayer, both in English and Spanish.
The Moderators prayed for wisdom for those who seek public office and humility for those who lead. “Remember especially those whose voices have been silenced,” they prayed. “May we never confuse the power of the state with the reign of God, nor mistake loyalty to party with faithfulness to Christ.”
Two Bible passages — Exodus 18:13-23 and Acts 13:1-3 were read in Spanish and English. Readers were Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, Wyatt Betler and Olivia Phelps.
The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, advocacy director in Presbyterian Life & Witness, noted that voting “is the highest level of participating in democracy that a citizen can do, and for so many, it is a way of honoring the sacrifices made in the past that we might be able to cast a ballot today.”
“We vote so that the rampant divisiveness that is rampaging this country — much of it being initiated by our political leaders who spread discord for their own benefit — will end by electing candidates who care about people and the situations in which they live,” Hawkins said. “We vote for our children and our children’s children, and for other people’s children, that all might have access to a quality education, healthcare and a quality of life that is a blessing.”
“We vote for peace, domestically and globally,” he said, adding this acknowledgment directed at the Almighty: “We vote because you care and call us to care.”
The musical selections were “We are the Problem,” offered by Creation Justice Ministries, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” recorded by St. James Presbyterian Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
Throughout the 45-minute vigil, participants shared what was on their hearts by writing their comments for all to see and appreciate.
“May God be with us, lead us and give us wisdom and outrageous courage to stand up for what is right,” wrote one.
“Thank you for organizing a time to uplift our nation in prayer in this divisive time,” wrote another. “May God guide us and grant us courage into shalom.”
“Let us remember that [Tuesday] is but the first step in our work for a just and loving community,” wrote a third person. “May God strengthen us for the work ahead in the coming days to stand for God’s justice, peace and love.”
The Rev. Carlton Johnson, director of Global Ecumenical Partnerships in PL&W, had some thoughts he labeled “It’s more than a vote/What comes next?” Johnson touched on Psalm 149:5-9 and Proverbs 31:8-9.
The psalm calls for bringing “justice upon unjust leaders, because they have wronged God’s people. The image of a two-edged sword is a powerful one,” Johnson said. Using our voices to encourage others to vote is one edge of that sword, while the other edge is involves holding leaders accountable, he said.
“This is the voice of the people. It does not stop with the vote,” Johnson said. “It continues with writing and calling and visiting officials’ offices on behalf of the concerns of the people.”
“Our task is to choose the better of the candidates and then stay on [our elected officials] night and day to do their best for the least of these,” Johnson said.
The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) and Executive Director of PL&W, concluded the vigil by offering thanks for “this chance to be part of the church together, even as siblings of other denominations are also gathering across the nation this night.”
“I am reminded that every time we hear the Word proclaimed, as we share and be the church together, that Jesus is Lord, no matter what happens,” Oh said. “God has promised to be present with us in the midst of the darkest of valleys and times of greatest joy, and every time and place in between.”
“As church, we are called to be part of that good that God wills and is working even now to make new,” Oh said. “This call continues beyond tonight and tomorrow into all the days ahead.”
“And so go,” Oh said, relying in part on 1 Thessalonians 5:15-28 for her benediction. “Go grounded in the love and the justice of God who is Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Go carrying the good news of Jesus Christ — news of healing and liberation, dignity and abundant life for everyone and for all of Creation.”
“Go empowered by the spirit of communion and compassion and humility and renewal,” Oh told those gathered. “Go out in courage, in hope and in peace. Go and participate in God’s wholeness-building mission and God’s beloved Creation, and do not be dismayed or disheartened.”
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