Heavenly Father, please bless this body as we work together to build a California full of love and God’s grace. We meet on this Floor, not as enemies or opponents, but as colleagues and friends committed to working together for everyone in our state.
God calls on us to mindful of and caring for, one another; and I pray that we’re mindful of His instruction. And let it be our north star in our lives and works, so that we may bring His love and wisdom to bear every minute of every day.
Our ties are many and strong; our differences, few and weak. It is that union that gives us strength. I pray for healing and strength for us all as we lead this state and this nation. I call on us all, in God’s name, to embrace each other, to respect each other, and to look upon on another as we would our spouses or children or parents, with love in our hearts.
Dear God, I ask for healing for Jamie Deasy, our friend and protector, who faces a great challenge in her young life. I pray that your plan for her is not fully revealed to us yet. And that she and her family will grow together for decades to come, healthy and happy.
We spend much of our time in these chambers fighting to cast California in our image. But on this day, O God, I ask that we reflect on Your image of what California should be. Acts 2:26 says, “I have pitched my tent in the land of hope.” I pray that through our actions here, and in our private lives, that we make California a land of hope and the shining city on a hill, for all to come and to build their dreams.—AMEN.