Almighty God, as election day approaches, we ask that you guide us and our nation to prayerfully consider a leader for this nation that will be an advocate for compassion, mercy, and social justice. Amen.

Prayer by a member of the Dakotas Conference.

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:28-31