This morning, I was honored to be invited to give the invocation for the opening of the Washington State Senate session. I enjoyed a visit to the legislative building in Olympia, where the staff were welcoming and friendly. I had a chat with the high school page about her college aspirations as we waited to begin. And I shared this prayer with the assembled senators.

I hope they will inspire you today as well.
Rev. Victoria

Spirit of life and love, Spirit of humanity,
which moves through and among us and in the world,

Be with the members of the Washington State Senate today,

Be with Senators who are first in their families to serve the
United States in public office.

Be with Senators whose families have served for decades.

Be with Senators who are tribal members, serving as citizens of multiple sovereign nations.

Give us the courage to meet the moment with thoughtful curiosity. Let this work of policy making build dependable relationships.

Help us draw on the resources and teachings of our ancestors, while adapting them for today.

May we bring the gifts of our diversity to a unity of purpose.

Remind us of our civic responsibility to people who are marginalized and in poverty.

Encourage our hope that a time of budget deficit will bring out our creativity and compasion.

And above all, may we have faith that the democratic process is worthy of our effort, of our love, of the gift of our lives in service, and that we are worthy of the democratic process.

May it be so.