I was invited to by Kansas State Representative Elaine Bowers to be the Guest Chaplain of the Day for the Kansas House of Representatives on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Besides giving the opening prayer for the session that day, I also was invited to lead a Bible study that morning for both Representatives and Senators. It wound up be a very enjoyable time and interesting to see some of the behind the scene activities of the day. Below is the text of the prayer for the day.
Heavenly Father,
Today, I lift up the men and women assembled here to conduct business on behalf of the people of the State of Kansas. Give them wisdom and insight to do the difficult job that must be done.
Your Word tells us that we will face difficulties and those difficulties can be met with faith in You as James wrote:
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:2-5 NASB)
The difficulties faced by this body of officials are many. Give them the wisdom only You can provide as You did for Solomon. Give them the sureness in their decisions they will need to weather the storms they will face in the gales of public opinion. Give them the strength they will need to stand up against the whims of special interest groups.
Give them the compassion needed to protect the Kansans who cannot defend themselves whether they are waiting to draw their first breath or are near the end of their final breath. Give them the determination to “bear the sword” of Romans 13 when called upon to protect the innocent and punish the guilty.
As this day of business begins, let them debate and let them reason in such a way that brings honor upon our republic. Let them lay aside the trials they face as individuals and let their focus be on their duties. Be with those who are facing problems known by all and be with those who have not let their needs be publicly known.
I ask for your blessing upon this body. I ask for your blessing upon the people they represent. I ask for your blessing upon the great State of Kansas.
All of these things I ask in the name of Your Risen Son, Jesus Christ! Amen!!
