Prayer at Virginia Senate

I really get nervous about praying for a government meeting like this.  I am such an advocate of separation of church and state, but appreciate the opportunity that is before me.  I have been reading some of Peter Marshall's prayers and others that have prayed in these situations often.  I mainly see a need for peace, guidance and the willingness to love our enemies as ourselves.  I do not know if this attempt at a written prayer does anything advantageous for the Kingdom of God, but here it is below.  If you might have any pointers, I will check my email before I leave in the morning.  

God be with you in the Journey!

Kevin

Senate of Virginia

Monday, January 24, 2011

Opening Prayer

By

The Reverend Kevin D. Ritter, Centerville Baptist Church, Chesapeake, Virginia

Dear Holy God, Creator and Sustainer of all, we recognize your presence here, and ask that in this new day, you grant your guidance and blessings upon these Senators who come as willing servants and leaders of the people of Virginia.

Help the Senators and all who work with them

-         to desire what is correct and upright,

-         to be tools of peace and wisdom,

-         to have the courage and strength to make the difficult decisions that are for the true benefit of the people according to your will,

-         to be faithful in admitting their own mistakes and forgiving those mistakes they may see in others, and

-         to open their hearts to see your wonderful love moving through everyone they might be in contact with today.

We thank you for your amazing love and for hearing our prayers today.  We pray for your glory to fill this place, Amen.

Week of Prayer #4

God is awesome! It has bee great to see all the different folks that have come to the prayer times and to have the opportunity for just a little bit of interactions with one another in a way that we would not normally have. It is important to build up (edify) one another and help each other stand against the flaming darts of the evil one. Unfortunately the evil one is already trying to make difficulties in my life and come against all the good work that has been going on in me during this week of prayer, but my brothers and sisters in Christ are helping me stand against that and find my way through it. Thank you and may all praise go to God! Let's keep up the good work for one more day.
God be with you on the Journey!
Kevin

Week of Prayer #3

Prayer times were great today! Especially the special time tonight at 6:30 PM! We had a good number of folks come and seek God's direction for our church. There seemed to be good participation for something that could have really stretched some folks. Thanks for going through this experience. The atmosphere of prayer really seemed to fill the sanctuary. Thank you God for meeting with us.

On a selfish side, I was really glad that my children were there and participated well. I thought once as I looked around about how great it was for them to see so many people from our church dedicate 45 minutes or more to spending time with God in this way.

I can't wait to see what God will do next.

God be with you on the Journey!
Kevin

Week of Prayer #2

Prayer times have been great! Mostly 7 or more at each time. Each time has had it's own special feeling and experience and presence. People seem to be really touched by the opportunity to spend an hour in prayer. Letting God do the work needed on our lives.

I have have been truly blessed, spending 4 hours in prayer on Monday and 3 on Tuesday. How awesome! I don't know exactly what God is going to do, but this time has helped me get closer to Him in new and fresh ways. Thank you God!

Don't forget the special prayer time, tomorrow, Wednesday, at 6:30 PM. I am looking forward to having a larger group dedicated to praying for God's direction for our church and our willingness to go the direction(s) we are led.

God be with you on the Journey!
Kevin

Week of Prayer #1

    At Centerville we are having a week of prayer.  Everyone is invited to come and pray daily at 5:30 AM, Noon, 5:30 PM, and 9:00 PM.  You can come to one time during the week, once a day, or any time you want.  You can come and go as you want.  I will be there for an hour each time, but you can stay longer.  There will be information sheets there to help explain things better. On Wednesday we will be combining the 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM into one special convocation of prayer at 6:30 PM.
    We had a total of five folks this morning.  Thanks everyone for your dedication to your church.  I wasn't as ready as I wanted to be, but it was a quietly powerful time.  See others of you at Noon!

God be with you on the Journey!
Kevin