Near the end of the 2011 legislative session (my first) the Pro Tem came to the Senate Minority Caucus and asked if a Democrat would like to give an opening prayer. It was a generous and welcoming offer. I looked around at my more senior colleagues and as no one spoke up, I offered.
About a week ago I found this scribbled prayer on my old notebook and post it here:
Fellow Senators, let us pray.
Let us pray for peace.
Let us pray for peace in our hearts,
So we may know the hearts of others.
Let us pray for peace of mind
So we may know the truth.
Let us pray for peace of spirit
That we may be humble and know God.
And now for a moment
Let us pray in silence that we may know,
Here in this room of words
The power of stillness
Without words.
Amen