"Father, that they may be one"

It's election day in Wisconsin, and news reports from all over the country have picked up on how divisive the election campaigns have been, not to mention all the events leading up to this election.   I can feel the demand for strong and
confident protests of Truth and Love and of peace and progress in this case.  Time for prayer.

I've always turned to prayer to heal all types of discord, and this time was no exception.  This time I went back to the basics:  The Lord's Prayer.  The first two words to the Lord's Prayer start out "Our Father."  "Our"  The very word is inclusive and unconditional.  "Father" immediately establishes the basis for all our relationships.  We are all interrelated.  We are all brethren.

A recent experience brought this to light.  I was called and then chosen to be on a jury.  The case we were to hear dealt with the emotional fallout of an internal political situation resulting in criminal charges.  As the jury deliberated, emotions ran high, and no unanimous vote was in reach.  As I silently prayed, it was a simple acknowledgment of one Mind, one God governing us all.  Jesus prayer that all brethren may be one (see John 17: 21-23) was my prayer.  As the afternoon turned to evening, the atmosphere in the jury room became calm.  Late evening, the jury gave its final statement.  It was done in a way that was professional and fair, as everyone's voice was heard.  Each person felt confident in their opinion and was respectful of others.  It was a surprising result, but it also seemed the right one.

When I go to the polls today, I'll keep in mind this prayer "Father that they may be one."  And I'll know, that we are all brethren, moving forward with one hope of progress.  Love is bigger than anger, more effective and more lasting.  And love for one another ensures success.

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