Prayer for the Election Loving God, I ask you to guide me during this important election season: Help me to understand the Gospels, in which Jesus Christ reveals his path of love, mercy and compassion, especially toward those who are poor, sick or struggling in any way. Instruct me on what the church teaches on the important issues of our day: abortion, racism, migration, war and peace, health care, the death penalty, economic justice, care for the environment and on all those questions that I must ponder with your help. Enable me to form my conscience so that I may vote wisely. Loving God, I ask you to bless our nation: Crown it with your compassion. Support it with your care. And nurture it with your love. Amen. James Martin, S.J.