Prayer for the Maryland State Senate on Tuesday, March 9, 2010
By: Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr., Senior Pastor, Union Baptist Church
Let us pray: We face a period of tremendous challenge. Our country, state, counties, and cities are all under the stress and strain of limited resources and unmet needs. The Citizens of the State of Maryland have entrusted in us the awesome responsibility of being good stewards of their resources and good representatives of their hopes and dreams. You have guided our feet to this time in history when we are charged as legislative leaders to shift through bills and policies; but more importantly to shift through our own hearts, minds and spirits to discern Your will in us and to follow Your way for us. Indeed life demands of us that Thy will be done.
We thank you for the opportunity to serve the last, the least, and the lost. Insulate us from undue political pressure. Inoculate us from blind ambition. Empower us with a resolve to seek mercy, to do justly, and to walk humbly with you.
The time for our legislative session is winding down. There are those among us who may not return. Bless them as only you can. Protect them as they continue life’s journey. Allow them to experience the joy of family and relationships that comfort and affirm them.
Others will return. For them political life may seem like a never ending series of meetings, fundraisers, debates, and long nights. Help them to return once again with vigor, vitality, and vision. Indeed without vision the Citizens of the State of Maryland will perish.
We thank you for the distinct honor to be called Senators of the State of Maryland. We thank you for the responsibility entrusted to us. We thank you for the leadership provided by Senators Miller, McFadden, Kasemeyer, Gladden, Kittleman and Jacobs. They carry the mantle of leadership with integrity and grace.
We make of You this request, that The State of Maryland become the greatest State in America: a State where people who are hungry are fed; a State where people needing health care are insured; a State where a second chance is seen as a redemptive force; a State where children receive a quality, affordable education; a State where business operates in such a way that job opportunities are increased and unemployment is decreased; a State where people are safe and secure; a State where differences are applauded and discrimination is eliminated.
We close our prayer with the awesome weight of this reality on our shoulders.
“Our hands are on the plough, our faltering hands, and all that is before us, is un-tilted land. The wilderness in its solitary place. The lonely desert with its inner space.
The handles of our plough with tears gets wet, the shears with rust are spoiled, and yet.
My God, keep us from turning back!”
AMEN
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