Prayer for the Utah Senate
Posted on March 4, 2009
Spirit of Love and Life, Dear God,
We have arrived at this place, this moment, this breath–and as the work of this day begins, we pause for a moment of gratitude. Even in the midst of troubled times, there is much to be grateful for:
Each breath
and in each breath
the spark of life;
life that is a gift of immeasurable worth.
Each person in this room
and each person in our state,
whom these men and women have the honor to represent.
The overwhelming beauty all around us:
mountains, red rock and desert, the Great Salt Lake,
birds and fishes, and all the creatures,
loveliness so vast and given so freely to us all.
We are glad to have a moment to remember, and to begin our day with gratitude.
From this gratitude, O God, springs a desire to be of service—
to humbly serve the people,
to protect and defend that beauty which is all around us:
the beauty of each and every soul,
and the beauty of this earth
which has been entrusted to us.
As this day begins, I ask that each decision made in this chamber be made with wisdom and humility.I ask that each action of this body reflect this gratitude for the gifts we have been given and the responsibilities we bear. I ask as well that the work done in this chamber embody the Love that we have witnessed in our lives and in the lives of so many who have gone before us. Love that truly bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love, that in the midst of troubled times, will not leave even “the least of these” behind.
On this day and every day in which these women and men are called upon to make decisions that will affect so many, may they be guided by Love and not by fear. May political expediency, partisanship, and self-interest give way to the radical and creative power of Love—Love that makes a way where no way existed only a moment before.
On this day, Dear God, I pray down a blessing on each of these leaders. A blessing of courage to do what is right, not what is easy. A blessing of wisdom to take up each opportunity to stand on the side of Love rather than fear. A blessing of strength to bear the responsibility of governance that is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. A blessing, dear God, of open hearts and minds—so that no opportunity to be of service is forgotten, no duty to live according to the high purposes of Love goes unfulfilled, no chance to truly serve honorably is overlooked.
Dear God, Spirit of Love and Life, Mercy and Justice—in the name of your son and all those who have served you faithfully—receive our gratitude, strengthen our resolves, and grant us these blessings.
Amen. Ashé. And Blessed be.
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2 Responses to “Prayer for the Utah Senate”
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Beautiful, Sean. I hope they heard you.
That is amazingly lovely and encompassing, and far outstrips your first mention (snicker). I am so grateful you posted it for us to see. Thank you.