Prayer for Government Meetings

Almighty God, we humbly come before You seeking wisdom for today’s local government meeting. We lift up our city councils, school boards, and other legislative bodies striving to steer our public institutions in the right direction. Bless our government officials, board members of legislative sessions and public meetings with a keen sense of justice and courage. Let the deliberations of this governing body stir thought-provoking ideas that positively shape our local governments. As we embark on this journey, may Your guiding hand be evident in every decision made. Grant us steadfastness and respect for diversity as we serve together for community development. In Thy name we pray, Amen.

Gracious God, we convene today as the city council, beseeching Your guidance in our significant and often fractious business. Noted by the supreme court, our gathering does not infringe upon the establishment clause nor threatens to damnation those of differing religious beliefs including our cherished religious minorities. We invite You, dear God, into this government meeting. Unite us lawmakers beyond personal agendas, fostering wisdom and understanding for the betterment of our city. Let this constitutionally suspect challenge based solely on sects inspire respect in these board meetings for the diverse congregations listed in our local directory. Heavenly Father, although constraints remain, with You at helm; supreme court rulings have held that prayers before legislative bodies are a legitimate function of government. Help us to remember elected officials are servants to all citizens regardless of one faith or many. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we strive towards decisions that will mold and elevate the next generation. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray for peace considered by some a constitutional violation found by others to be inclusive rather than alienating; undeniably it remains a matter addressed by federal courts. But above all it is an appeal lifted up by Christian clergy before a three-judge panel echoing their solemn plea: “Dear God infuse in us moral strength”. Amen.

In accordance with legal precedent, we avoid any expressions that court rejected as an impermissible government purpose. Respecting all beliefs, we conclude this meeting in reflection without denigration of nonbelievers. In gratitude, and devoid of challenge based solely on faith, we uphold Christian values but refrain from endorsing only the clergy or invoking solely Jesus’ name. We thank You for the wisdom imparted today and lend gravity to our future decisions through this prayerful blog post. Guided by Your light, may we serve all constituents with fairness and integrity. Amen.