WHY PRAY?

Christians are called to give witness to their faith in public by the choices that they make and the actions that they exhibit. Their witness, however, does not flow from a sterile set of rules or a list of behaviors that need to be checked off as ends in themselves. A Christian’s witness flows rather from a dynamic and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the workings of the Holy Spirit.

Likewise, as you prepare to vote in an election, you shouldn’t approach a candidate or issue based simply on a checklist that renders one candidate or position best because it has the most checks with regards to adherence to a set of policies. Your choice in a candidate should be a result of deeper contemplation, letting the Holy Spirit offer insight into policies and positions and the consequences and moral implications they offer. Most issues are more complex than merely a black and white, yes or no, stance. 

The promptings of the Spirit, which flow from having a relationship with Jesus, touch your mind with knowledge and understanding and assist you in making right judgments. The dynamic work of the Spirit also touches our hearts and opens us up to a vision of the world as God sees it, and realigns our actions to be in one accord with Him.

All of these aspects of the Spirit working with us and through us in preparation for voting find their roots in prayer and reflection. It is important to cultivate an active prayer life so as to better hear the voice of God directing your mind and heart to envision the world through His eyes. Read Scripture so as to root yourself in the truth of the Word. Spend time in contemplative prayer so as to let Christ into your heart through the working of the Holy Spirit. Ask the Spirit to lead you to listen to the prophets in our time who are calling us to open our hearts to justice and compassion rooted in the Truth of Christ. From your immersion into the heart of Christ, you can help transform the world so God’s love for each human life as well as creation is upheld with dignity and respect.