Good morning.
Let`s pray.
Holy one, within whom we all live, move and have our being, may our hearts be touched by the people that have allowed us to work within this chamber, our constituents, those people of California that we are here to represent.
May we look to these people as our inspiration and as our pole-star in the decisions we make. And within ourselves, may we work from a place of compassion for our fellow human beings, from all walks of life, culture, status and opinion. Help us see that our differences need not divide us, and that they can enrich us. May we recognize that, while there are differences among us, there is more about each of us that can unite all of us.
Within ourselves, may we find the wisdom to listen well; listening not to corroborate our own views, but to expand them; listening for the meaning behind words and actions; listening to the good, the holy and the beautiful that lives in the hearts of us all. And from our listening well, may we find understanding of each other, allowing that understanding to inform our work. And, today may we come from our hearts, humble, merciful, honest and passionate about the privilege we have been afforded by the people of our wonderful state.
God bless California. God bless you.-AMEN.