I have had the opportunity for the past several years, to open the West Virginia Senate with prayer. I believe the exhortation of the Apostle Paul applies to the church today.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

My prayer offered for the session on January 12th:

Almighty God, we bow before you in prayer. I am grateful for the good things you have blessed the great state of West Virginia with; especially the beauty of this place, her people, and a spirit of perseverance.

I pray for these public servants who have a great responsibility. Watch over them, bless their lives and families, and the respective districts they represent.

I pray in hope, believing even the most significant obstacles we face can be overcome by your power.

I pray for vision for these leaders to not only see things as they are, but also as they could be.

I pray for decisions and actions consistent with justice, mercy, and humility, to bless all people and protect and promote life.

Watch over and guide this session. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Savior of all who believe in him. Amen