Oh -- here's the prayer I referenced last night. I didn't write it from scratch. I started with the texts of a suggested prayer from the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and the prayer "State, provincial, local governments" from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, and then I edited, combined, re-wrote, etc.

Invocation – Virginia State Senate
January 26, 2008
The Rev. Andrew W. Ballentine, Jr.
St. Stephen Lutheran Church
Williamsburg, Virginia

O God, you have created all that exists, seen and unseen. Every human being is your child. We look to the fulfillment of your wishes for your world: in which the weak and vulnerable are protected, and the riches of creation are accessible to all; a world in which different cultures and races live together in mutual respect, and peace is built through justice, and guided by love.

On this day we lift before you, in particular, all who govern this Commonwealth. Give our elected officials the clarity to know that their power is a trust from you to be used, not for personal glory or profit, but for the service of the people. Give them hope that will overcome cynicism. Give them openness to each other and honesty with each other. And give us all grace to live together in unity of purpose, according to your wishes for your creation.

In your holy name we pray, Amen.