And grant them, oh God, the will to speak plainly…

“As each senator takes an oath of service, grant, oh God, them vision — a vision of sound fiscal discipline where budget deficits are filled and spending bills are prudent. Grant them wisdom, power and intellect to defend our constitution and to serve their constituents with dignity and grace.”

— from the opening Senate prayer by Lonnie Mitchell, Sr., pastor of Spokane’s Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.