Prayer for a Legislative Session
In Vermont, our State House of Representatives begins each daily session with an opening devotional of some kind. Often, this devotional is a prayer delivered by a Vermont pastor. The first time I had the privilege of leading prayer in this setting I had no idea what to expect, what to do, or what to say. Of course, many in the room are not Christians. Certainly, some are uneasy with a Christian prayer, prayed to begin a secular legislative session. No doubt, there is much to think about when writing and delivering a prayer like this.
Below is a prayer that I have used and which I offer to you for your reflection and inspiration. It is easily adapted…
Opening Prayer for Vermont State Legislature, House of Representatives
God…who shows yourself to us today, as you do everyday…
…in the thin places of the early morning…
…in the strong lines of Green Mountain ridges…
…in the swirling smoke billowing from countless sugar houses…
…in the faces of everyone we meet…
…we come before you in need of clarity and illumination.
For who among us can see all things?
Who among us knows all things?
Who among us has been everywhere…
…and seen all there is to see?
Flooded with options…
…confused by possibilities…
…and limited by our own experiences…
…we have become like broken compasses…
…pointing here and there, aimless and wandering.
Wanting to do what is right…
…desiring to do what is most needed…
…we ask in this time for ears to hear, for eyes to see…
…for minds to discern…and for energy enough…
…to do all that is asked of us.
And God…we ask for voices too.
Voices with volume enough to be heard.
Voices with courage enough for justice.
Voices that are as humble as they are convicted.
Asking these things, we also offer you thanks…
…for the beauty of this day…
…for the time of our colleagues…
…and for the faithfulness of so many…
…who serve with such great care…
…for the well being of our families…
…and our towns and our whole state.
May the rhythms of this day…
…and the music of this body…be sweet…
…may it be a blessing to you God…
…and a source of encouragement…
…for all who hear its melody. Amen.
© Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen, 2016
