The Perfect Response

Community gathers in prayer post-election

(Photo by Darren Heslop)

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, Andrews University students, staff and faculty gathered in Pioneer Memorial Church for a special prayer meeting following Tuesday’s election.

“As we watch the twists and turns of the political landscape in America, prayer is the perfect response to what we’re feeling,” said Ben Martin, youth ministries pastor for PMC, which is located on the campus of Andrews University. “Ellen White says that praying is a privilege because we are given the opportunity to approach the throne of God. So let us prepare our hearts and minds to be with him in these special moments.”

As the approximately 60 people bowed their heads for silent personal prayer, Martin asked the Lord to help us all as Christians focus on the principles of God’s love.

“They’re calling this the most bitterly fought election in American history,” commented Dwight Nelson, lead pastor of PMC. “The joy and the grief are both palpable. It’s deep in the American soul.”

Nelson noted that they weren’t gathered to reflect on what happened, but to go to the Word of God and ask, “Where do we go from here?”

“Were we here last Wednesday night in prayer? Yes,” Nelson commented. “Did we pray for our nation and the election last week? Yes. Did God hear our prayers last week? Yes. Can we expect to learn someday how God took this national moment and turned it eventually into his direct answer to our prayers? Yes. Will his kingdom come? Yes. Will his will be done on earth as it is in heaven? Yes. And is this the right time to pray for exactly that? Yes.”

Nelson then invited the congregation to join him in reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

It wasn’t just about America, however. Attendees felt a greater burden the stretched beyond this country’s borders.

“Personally, I pray for the world,” commented George, who attended the prayer gathering. “I consider myself a global citizen, and this country is a melting pot. We’ve met many people in our lives, all with different reasons why they’re in the U.S., or why they’re interacting with the U.S. in some way. I’ve got a global burden, and that’s why I’m here tonight.”

Tune in live on Saturday, Nov. 12, to hear Pastor Nelson deliver his sermon, “Healing the Fracture: Life in post-election America.” The livestream begins at 11:45 a.m. Eastern Time at pmchurch.tv.