A Prayer for a Town Meeting
In Vermont, we have something called “Town Meeting Day.” What’s that? Well, it the day each year when many towns in our state hold their annual town meetings (1st Monday in March). Some towns still invite a local pastor to begin the meeting with a prayer of invocation. Praying in this setting can be tricky. What do we pray for? How do we bring our authentic selves to the prayer while also recognizing the diversity that will be present in the room? Below is a prayer that I have used in my town of Underhill, VT and which I offer to you for your reflection and inspiration. It is easily adapted…
God of all…we are many people from many places…
…who gather together in this place…eager to do the good…
…the right…the just…the equitable…and the fair.
Limited though in our knowledge and understanding…
…we pause at the beginning of this town meeting…
…to ask you, Holy One…who knows the many needs of this town…
…and who care deeply for its people…
…to bless our time…to open our hearts…
…to sharpen our minds…and to encourage our tongues.
Walk with us…as we walk together to make decisions…
…to celebrate our successes…
…and to address the challenges which we face.
In all we do today, grant us patience…
…grant us grace…grant us ears that are quick to listen…
…and mouths which speak in ways…
…that create understanding…and build relationships…
…that we might stand for each other…
…that we might stand for the town of Underhill…
…and that we might stand with you.
In your name, Holy One…we pray, AMEN.
© Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen, 2016
