Opening the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives with an Invocation

The Indiana Senate and House of Representatives open each season day with an invocation. This morning in the Senate Pastor Joel Stevens prayed and I was honored to open the House of Representatives in prayer.

Pastor Joel Stevens prayer in the Senate - "Father in Heaven, you are good and everything you do is good. Thank you for the abundance and peace you have blessed us with in the state of Indiana. Thank you for these men and women whom you have put into positions of authority and influence. They have worked hard to get here, and they continue to work hard each day for our communities. So please give them wisdom and integrity to perform today’s duties with justice and mercy and honor. Please provide strength and endurance for them and for their families, as they face many pressures and endless expectations. We pray this through the name of your son Jesus, in whose death and resurrection we look by faith for forgiveness, redemption, and hope, Amen."

My prayer in the House - "Good morning Lord, We approach your holy throne with reverence, awe, and humility. We recognize that You are God and we are not. Father, we cry out to you as the psalmist did in Palm 12, "Help Lord!"We are in need of faithful men and women. Faithful to their calling and faithful in their commitments! May we be a people who echo the admonition of the Savior to let our yes be yes and our no be no. In this political arena, where our every word is examined, keep us back from empty words, proud tongue, and flattering lips. Instead, may our words be kind, our hearts compassionate, and our actions honorable. May we yearn to help the oppressed, the poor, and the needy. For we were once estranged from your throne, lost and alone, and you have invited us into Your kingdom and into Your family. Thank you Lord for those who serve in this chamber, for the support staff and interns who serve behind the scenes, for our families back home, and for those who defend our freedoms. Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace. In Christ's name, amen."

Pastor Joel Stevens, Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, and Senator Cyndi Carrasco