I know some amazing, compassionate, articulate and wise people; and this morning, my facebook feedback loop is filled with messages encouraging all to support one another, to mourn, and to participate in God’s work and love here on the earth. Our democracy has failed us. The nationalist religion of politics declared one candidate the winner while the other candidate is accruing more individual votes. How many of those votes were ‘simply’ because people could not vote for a woman?

This morning I am stunned, yet not surprised. One thing I see is that the anger and fear of change–social changes, economic disenfranchisement, cultural and technological upheaval–is out in the open. We have squirreled ourselves away long enough in our own little corners. It’s time to face our fears. God only knows what that will look like, but I think we have an idea from the gospel accounts.

American Christianity must change. In fact, it cannot be “American” any longer. To all persons of faith, it’s time to encounter the living God, to let the Spirit cleanse us from our idols of comfort, and to pray continually,

Abba, let your name be made holy
Let your Kingdom come, your will be done
Here on the earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.
Amen