A prayer of blessing over the legislature
Sometimes, we have an opportunity to present God as the author and finisher of all things to a varied group of religious, non-religious, Christian, and atheist audience.
This is always a beautiful opportunity to show love and grace. We may not be alike in theology, but we are all equally pursued by God with relentless love. We all bear His image and are designed to reflect His glory.
I think our prayers and our conversations should celebrate that calling and that likeness. Through our compassion, people come to know who God really is. Judging them actually never works.
Perhaps someday, when these lost souls are in crisis, they will remember the Christians who spoke with love and blessing–perhaps they will ask questions about who we serve and how our God cares for us. That is our hope and our calling.
Here’s my husband’s prayer which he spoke over the Virginia State Assembly today:
Almighty God and Creator,
We come before you today to praise your name and to ask your blessing on this esteemed assembly. Without your creation, your wisdom, and your lovingkindness, we are incapable of accomplishing any good in this desperate world. We ask for you to empower this great body to champion justice for the oppressed, to administer grace to the fallen, healing to the sick, and restoration to the broken. Give each of us discernment as we interact with one another and wisdom as we handle problems. I ask and pray for a spirit of unity and harmony as it relates to policies that help the Commonwealth of Virginia and respect as it relates to our differences. May this state and this city be a blessing to everyone.
In the powerful name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
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Amen.
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might win some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22