Our God and God of all people, you give us the gift of self-reflection.
As
we prepare to begin a new day of deliberation, we take a moment to appreciate
the fact that we are alive.
With
each breath we take, we fill not only our lungs with air - but also we infuse our
souls with meaning.
Life
is a gift. What we do with that gift
depends on our awareness of the preciousness and precariousness of our daily
existence.
That
we are here together in this sacred chamber of deliberation is a reflection –
not only of the fact that the members of our community have placed their trust
in these lawmakers, but also in the potential for change and healing that can
take place in the deliberations and debate that make up the business of this
body.
And
so, as we take this moment of reflection, let us ask ourselves: What do we hope
to accomplish today?
Whose
lives are we impacting?
What
are the needs of our community?
Who
feels pain? Who fears the future?
Who
is poised for greatness?
How
can we take the time we have together to work to improve our state, our
communities, our families? Ourselves?
Help
these legislators to see that the issues that they are discussing and the laws
they are enacting should serve to enlighten and animate the Divine implanted
within them and the people they serve.
May
any disagreements that arise be for the sake of bringing healing and wholeness
to our world.
Let
the perils of partisanship give way to the echoes of empathy – and may the work
of these legislators reflect the highest
values of each of our faith communities.
Bless
these proceedings and all those who labor here today.
And
let us say, AMEN
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