Unlike any other nation in history, the United States has a resilient system of electing leaders that consistently yields the peaceful transition of power, a system that’s being challenged by those currently in power. This is a simple prayer of thanksgiving for our democracy. Here’s a related prayer “For Wisdom during U.S. Presidential Elections.”

Addendum: I added reference to the 25th Amendment on Feb. 19, 2017, after seeing this video. In the wake of Covid-19 and social justice protests, I made further adjustments July 3, 2020.

In Thanks for U.S. Democracy
G-d of history,
We give thanks for the blessings
Of democracy in the United States,
Blessings unparalleled throughout the world.
No nation can match these gifts.

We give thanks:
For free and fair elections,
For the 15th Amendment,
For the 19th Amendment,
For the 25th Amendment,
For the Voting Rights Act,
For decentralized control of balloting,
For decentralized control of vote tallying,
For the peaceful transition of power,
For the two-party system,
For third party and independent candidates,
For robust debate and political compromise,
For patriotism above partisanship,
For the separation of power,
For leaders taking an oath of office,
For leaders taking an oath to serve the people,
For leaders taking an oath to defend the Constitution,
For a military and judges sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution,
For a free press and the right to assemble,
For three branches of government, two chambers of Congress, and the Supreme Court, our checks and balances,
For accountability to constituents,
And for one another, citizens of a great nation.

Let us cherish the right to select our government.
Let us cherish the right to select our representatives,
The national, state and local leaders
Who will steer our nation and guide our communities.
Our system is strong.
On election day, our voices are heard.
We, the People, are blessed.

© 2016, 2017 and 2020 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript: Like many prayers aimed at fostering gratitude, the core of this prayer is about recongnizing and counting our blessings. See also: “For Wisdom during U.S. Presidential Elections.”

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Photo Source: Eagle Mountain Flag