Bishop Brown’s prayer opened the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature. He was invited to offer the prayer by Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Cumberland).
We bless you, loving and gracious God, for being God, and showing us that we are not.
Pour out the abundance of your blessing upon this senate, guide the men and women elected to serve to see what you see, and to do what you would have them do. Give them a spirit of gratitude for the staff who support them, both those who work in this State House, and those in our local communities. Renew in each of them a commitment to serve, and place upon them a yoke of responsibility to work for all, including those without voice or vote.
As we direct our thoughts to the great problems of life, help us, O God, to think clearly, and then lead us out of ourselves toward you, that we may see your vision for the common good, your desire for peace, and your never-failing joy to show us the way, day in and day out.
For you are a God who abounds in compassion, and as you hear the cry of every suffering creature, so hear the prayers of these senators who work on behalf of Mainers throughout our great state.
Strengthen the resolve of those who make peace, and bring the suffering of war to a speedy end, so that what we do on your earth might look more like your heaven.
All of this we offer to you, the One whom we call by many names, and in the light of your mercies, which are new every morning.
And all God’s people say, Amen.