Food Poisoning & Prayer

Sometime early yesterday, I came down with food poisoning. My guess is the culprit was either mushrooms on some yummy pizza or a strawberry garnish on a delectable Margarita from a great bar in Nolita.

Regardless, the ferocious attach on my digestive system has kept me from following the news as closely as I would have liked in these important hours leading up to the big vote tomorrow.

For instance, I totally missed the news that the legendary Studs Terkel had died at the age of 96. If memory serves, I heard him speak once at the NYU J-Department.

In the haze of recovery, I have managed to watch John McCain's appearance on Saturday Night Live. Funny. But, I'm not certain if it did him any favors in the vote-getting department.

I also caught the audio of the prank perpetuated on Sarah Palin by a comedian in Canada. I actually don't think the guv did too bad -- it was certainly less damaging than the Katie Couric interview.

I must say I don't mind being down for the count as some of my usually-favorite bloggers continue to hyperventilate in favor of their preferred presidential candidates, i.e. Sully on behalf of Senator Obama and The Anchoress for Senator McCain.

My guess is that, however the people vote tomorrow, they will both come to regret some of their verbosity this campaign season -- on Wednesday morning and in the years ahead.

These final hours before the polls open seem to be more suited to prayer than attack. Thanks to Deacon Greg and to Rocco for reminding us of that:

Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city, state, and country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.

We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.

We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.

We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.

We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.

We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.