After an extremely challenging election season – not for just the candidates, but for the nation as a whole- the voting is over but the pain, the anxiety and the deep concerns still remain across our nation and right here in the City of Boston.

Today, as I pray over what we see happening across the country in the aftermath of the election, I know today many citizens are hurting in our churches, in our community, in our City and, yes, our country and that the days, weeks, and even the months ahead will be difficult for many.

In this time of great uncertainty, I want to encourage all of us to take comfort and to stand on the infallible Word of God.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, I admonish us to not “be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present [our] requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and [our] minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

As the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston, we want to assure the residents of Boston that we are praying for you. We are praying that God will comfort, strengthen and heal those who are broken and hurting.  Our prayer is that both those who are celebrating, as well as those who are protesting, will come to experience the peace and presence of God about the election. Now, more than ever, we need to heed the admonition of the Prophet Jeremiah to pray for the peace of the City and, may I add, our nation.

So, we will stand in prayer with faith leaders, community leaders and the faith community at large as we pray for the peace of our city and our nation. We will look to the hills whence cometh our help; for our help comes from the Lord.  Remember that we serve a sovereign God Who remains on the Throne. Though the results of this election have taken many by surprise, our Heavenly Father has not lost control.

The Word of God reminds us that, “He [God] changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” (Daniel 2:21) (ESV). We pray that God will continue to watch over the United State of America in this time of transition.  Our prayer is that God will indeed give wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to our current president, Barak Obama, and to the president-elect, Donald Trump.

Let us take courage in the words of that great Christian hymn, “Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you!”

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Written by Rev. Arlene Hall, President of the Black Ministerial Alliance