This morning they rose in the dark,

packed a lunch,

poured coffee in a thermal cup,

heading out for a long day at the polls.

Lord, be with them in their steady work.

Grant them patience and humor for every interaction,

and strength to meet each individual need.

Protect them from harm of any kind.

Help them hold the sacred space

that gathers us in, despite our divisions.

May they stand like the burr oak,

grounded by a deep taproot

in the dignity of their duties,

extending courage and peace

with the shelter of their branches.

May the way they tend this day

embody our ancestors’ sacrifice,

and may they be for all of us a light.

Lord, guard and guide them

as they lead us through this day,

guarding the democracy preserved for us.

Amen.