During the Minnesota Senate’s floor session on Monday, April 15, Pastor Regina Garrett of the First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls provided the Prayer of the Day as the guest Chaplin.

Each biennium, the Senate elects an Official Chaplain. The Chaplain provides the Prayer of the Day roughly 6 ‒ 8 times each year, depending on what fits their schedule.

For over 40 years, the Minnesota Senate has allowed pastors the opportunity to give the Prayer of the Day whenever the Senate is in a floor session. Pastors who are interested in providing the Prayer of the Day may contact their senator and ask to be considered.

Below is the prayer given by Pastor Garrett.

Greetings to the leaders of the great state of Minnesota. I am humbled to lead you this morning to the throne of giving. 

Let us pray:

We are living in tumultuous times. Leaders are oppressed on every side to make decisions that reflect equitable, free, safe, and economical laws impacting citizens to be self-sufficient, law abiding, and ones that teach unity. It’s hard Lord, but with You all things are possible. 

We petition you this day to touch minds, hearts, and decisions that they may become one in reflecting the better thing, the better purpose, the better cause for this great state. We cast aside every proud or misguided thought that prevents your purpose. Now Lord, I ask that as they begin a new week, a new day, a new moment in the history of lawmaking that you would continue to guide them in your purpose. When there are disagreements, always remind them of the question, “Is this the best way for our state?” Help them to ask, “Is what I am saying aligned with why I was elected, and am I fulfilling my promised agenda to make this place a better place to live?” Remind them that every decision in some way affects every resident of this state and that each of them here have been empowered with a powerful duty to make this state not only even better but the best.  

Now, I decree and declare this a new day, a new beginning, a new charge. May this newness reflect hope, peace, unity, and your love. May your throne of giving this morning and each day give what is needed for each leader to speak with authority but in peace. To not only speak but to listen and hear with an open mind and heart. Remind each one here today that it takes the village of this body to come up with the right way. Lead them to a place of common goals and empower them each with your presence to know when it is the right thing, when it is the right way. As they wrestle in debates let that wrestling end in sincere and true blessings for Minnesota and its people. I speak differences to become the melting pot of agreements that are agreements of common good. I speak a holy breeze of cleansing, joy, and respect. I speak love. Now Lord, we are grateful for your leading and guidance and submit each mind and heart to you. In the Name of He who has all authority to make this be and He who has given all. Amen. 

(Photos courtesy of Senate Media Services)