Election Night Vigil
We gather in silence in St. John’s Chapel. At 7:00 PM, the Superior stands, addressing the people, who remain seated.
Welcome
Superior We join together this night to pray for the peace of this country and this world, trusting in Jesus, who has promised to be with us in all our afflictions, and who reigns as Lord forever. We pray for those seeking office, those who administer the election, and those who vote, that they all may exercise their authority in humility before God, and in the knowledge that those who are called to serve in positions of power will be held accountable to God for that service. We pray that, whatever the outcome, God’s kingdom come and will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Let us pray:
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Superior lights the leftmost candle, then returns to his seat for the Psalm.
Psalm 89:I
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
1 Your love, O LORD, for ever will I sing; * from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2 For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; * you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
3 “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; * I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
4 ‘I will establish your line for ever, * and preserve your throne for all generations.’”
5 The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O LORD, * and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones;
6 For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? * who is like the LORD among the gods?
7 God is much to be feared in the council of the holy ones, * great and terrible to all those round about him.
8 Who is like you, LORD God of hosts? * O mighty LORD, your faithfulness is all around you.
9 You rule the raging of the sea * and still the surging of its waves.
10 You have crushed Rahab of the deep with a deadly wound; * you have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.
11 Yours are the heavens; the earth also is yours; * you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it.
12 You have made the north and the south; * Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your Name.
13 You have a mighty arm; * strong is your hand and high is your right hand.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne; * love and truth go before your face.
15 Happy are the people who know the festal shout! * they walk, O LORD, in the light of your presence.
16 They rejoice daily in your Name; * they are jubilant in your righteousness.
17 For you are the glory of their strength, * and by your favor our might is exalted.
18 Truly, the LORD is our ruler; * The Holy One of Israel is our King.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon
Litany for the Election
Litanist Let us pray. All stand.
Litanist Loving God, creator of this world who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We give thanks for all the ways we are called to participate in government, including the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We hold before you this hour the people of Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, and Vermont, whose polls are closing. Help all those entrusted to count and report votes that they make work in safety and with honesty, transparency, and diligence. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Give a spirit of wisdom to those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist As we look to the days ahead, help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another for the welfare of our communities, nation, and world. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All may now depart, except those who will remain for the next hour.
8:00 PM
The Litanist lights a candle, then returns to his seat for the Psalm.
Psalm 8
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
1 O LORD our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
2 Out of the mouths of infants and children * your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, * to quell the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, * the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5 What is man that you should be mindful of him? * the son of man that you should seek him out?
6 You have made him but little lower than the angels; * you adorn him with glory and honor;
7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands; * you put all things under his feet:
8 All sheep and oxen, * even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, * and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10 O LORD our Governor, * how exalted is your Name in all the world!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
Litany for the Election
Litanist Let us pray.
All stand.
Litanist Loving God, creator of this world who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We give thanks for all the ways we are called to participate in government, including the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We hold before you this hour the people of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Washington DC, and West Virginia, whose polls are closing. Help all those entrusted to count and report votes that they make work in safety and with honesty, transparency, and diligence. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Give a spirit of wisdom to those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist As we look to the days ahead, help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another for the welfare of our communities, nation, and world. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All may now depart, except those who will remain for the next hour.
9:00 PM
The Litanist lights a candle, then returns to his seat for the Psalm.
Psalm 24
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
1 The earth is the LORD’S and all that is in it, * the world and all who dwell therein.
2 For it is he who founded it upon the seas * and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
3 “Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? * and who can stand in his holy place?”
4 “Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, * who have not pledged themselves to falsehood, nor sworn by what is a fraud.
5 They shall receive a blessing from the LORD * and a just reward from the God of their salvation.”
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, * of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; * and the King of glory shall come in.
8 “Who is this King of glory?” *
“The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle.”
9 Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; * and the King of glory shall come in.
10 “Who is he, this King of glory?” *
“The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.”
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon
Litany for the Election
Litanist Let us pray. All stand.
Litanist Loving God, creator of this world who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We give thanks for all the ways we are called to participate in government, including the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We hold before you this hour the people of Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, whose polls are closing. Help all those entrusted to count and report votes that they make work in safety and with honesty, transparency, and diligence. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Give a spirit of wisdom to those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist As we look to the days ahead, help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another for the welfare of our communities, nation, and world. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All may now depart, except those who will remain for the next hour.
The Litanist lights a candle, then returns to his seat for the Psalm.
Psalm 2
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
1 Why are the nations in an uproar? * Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2 Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the princes plot together, * against the LORD and against his Anointed?
3 “Let us break their yoke,” they say; * “let us cast off their bonds from us."
4 He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; * the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, * and his rage fills them with terror.
6 “I myself have set my king * upon my holy hill of Zion.”
7 Let me announce the decree of the LORD: * he said to me, “You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance * and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall crush them with an iron rod * and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10 And now, you kings, be wise; * be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Submit to the LORD with fear, * and with trembling bow before him;
12 Lest he be angry and you perish; * for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
Litany for the Election
Litanist Let us pray. All stand.
Litanist Loving God, creator of this world who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We give thanks for all the ways we are called to participate in government, including the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We hold before you this hour the people of Montana, Nevada, and Utah, whose polls are closing. Help all those entrusted to count and report votes that they make work in safety and with honesty, transparency, and diligence. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Give a spirit of wisdom to those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist As we look to the days ahead, help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another for the welfare of our communities, nation, and world. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All may now depart, except those who will remain for the next hour.
11:00 PM
The Litanist lights a candle, then returns to his seat for the Psalm.
Psalm 46
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
1 God is our refuge and strength, * a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, * and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
3 Though its waters rage and foam, * and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
4 The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
5 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, * the holy habitation of the Most High.
6 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; * God shall help her at the break of day.
7 The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; * God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
8 The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
9 Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, * what awesome things he has done on earth.
10 It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; * he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire.
11 “Be still, then, and know that I am God; * I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”
12 The LORD of hosts is with us; * the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon
Litany for the Election
Litanist Let us pray.
All stand.
Litanist Loving God, creator of this world who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We give thanks for all the ways we are called to participate in government, including the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We hold before you this hour the people of California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, whose polls are closing. Help all those entrusted to count and report votes that they make work in safety and with honesty, transparency, and diligence. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Give a spirit of wisdom to those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist As we look to the days ahead, help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another for the welfare of our communities, nation, and world. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All may now depart, except those who will remain for the next hour.
12:00 AM
The Litanist lights a candle, then returns to his seat for the Psalm.
Psalm 138
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
1 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; * before the gods I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your Name, * because of your love and faithfulness;
3 For you have glorified your Name * and your word above all things.
4 When I called, you answered me; * you increased my strength within me.
5 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, * when they have heard the words of your mouth.
6 They will sing of the ways of the LORD, * that great is the glory of the LORD.
7 Though the LORD be high, he cares for the lowly; * he perceives the haughty from afar.
8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; * you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me.
9 The LORD will make good his purpose for me; * O LORD, your love endures for ever; do not abandon the works of your hands.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
Litany for the Election
Litanist Let us pray.
All stand.
Litanist Loving God, creator of this world who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We give thanks for all the ways we are called to participate in government, including the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We hold before you this hour the people of Hawaii, whose polls are closing. Help all those entrusted to count and report votes that they make work in safety and with honesty, transparency, and diligence. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Give a spirit of wisdom to those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist As we look to the days ahead, help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another for the welfare of our communities, nation, and world. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All may now depart, except those who will remain for the next hour.
1:00 AM
The Litanist lights a candle, then returns to his seat for the Psalm.
Psalm 146
Antiphon Je-sus answered : “My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my followers would fight, but my kingdom is not from here.”
1 Hallelujah!
Praise the LORD, O my soul! * I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
2 Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, * for there is no help in them.
3 When they breathe their last, they return to earth, * and in that day their thoughts perish.
4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! * whose hope is in the LORD their God;
5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; * who keeps his promise for ever;
6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, * and food to those who hunger.
7 The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind; * the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
8 The LORD loves the righteous; the LORD cares for the stranger; * he sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way of the wicked.
9 The LORD shall reign for ever, * your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. Hallelujah!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Antiphon
Litany for the Election
Litanist Let us pray. All stand.
Litanist Loving God, creator of this world who is our source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We give thanks for all the ways we are called to participate in government, including the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We hold before you this hour the people of Alaska, whose polls are closing. Help all those entrusted to count and report votes that they make work in safety and with honesty, transparency, and diligence. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. Lord, in your mercy, People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Give a spirit of wisdom to those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist As we look to the days ahead, help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another for the welfare of our communities, nation, and world. Lord, in your mercy,
People Hear our prayer.
Litanist Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The service concludes with the Lord’s Prayer.
Litanist The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Litanist Let us pray.
All Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
Litanist The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, evermore. Amen.
