The presidential election went as I expected, but not as I had hoped.

It’s not helpful to rant and rave. It’s not helpful to complain about the results.

59 million people voted for each candidate. It would be wrong to dismiss either batch of 59. That means I will not call names or point out the reasons I did not vote for President-Elect Trump. Nor will I dismiss the 59 million who voted against him with platitudes about prayer and finding peace in the true kingdom of God.

In the wake of the election, I am asking God to bring comfort to those who will feel (even more) marginalized by the results. My gay friends. My black friends. My Latino friends. Perhaps most of all, my American Muslim friends.

Had the election turned out differently, I would be asking God to comfort my friends who feel marginalized by a changing economy and changing demographics. Perhaps I will be strong enough to continue to pray for them as well. Lord, give me strength.

I pray we find ways to have a productive dialogue and make America great for EVERYONE.

A productive dialogue will not happen without mutual willingness.

The people who just won will have to be willing to sit down with those of us who lost. And those of us who lost will have to be willing to sit in dialogue with those who defeated us.

This is always true in American politics. This is always true in a democratic republic.

I am also asking God for courage. Now that I think about it, this would have been my prayer regardless of the outcome.

Lord grant me the courage to stand up against the forces of evil. Instill in me the courage to be a voice of love and unity in a time of hate and division.

As I’ve tried to say before, no matter who you voted for, no matter whether your candidate won or lost, I still value your friendship, your ideas, and your humanity.

What about you? How are you feeling post-election? Tell me about it in the comments, in an e-mail, or on Facebook.