Saying a prayer for Ed Emery

(From Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar)

Every legislator I know takes seriously their service to constituents and to our state. They and their staffs work hard to address phone calls, emails or letters with professionalism and expertise. I am grateful to serve with each one of them.

Sometimes, the first weeks of a new session pose extra problems because of the multiple office moves imposed by incoming legislators and the resulting exchange of offices. This year was no exception, but my staff managed our office relocation eloquently, and without disruption to those we serve. I don’t give them enough recognition.

A policy my staff and I have consistently held when relocating to a different office is to acknowledge that, as we serve our constituents, we are also serving our God. He told his disciples that if they give just a drink of water to someone in need, they serve him. 

As a recognition and a reminder of this critical truth, we have always planned some kind of dedication ceremony for each of our new surroundings. This year was no exception. 

 I usually ask a local pastor who served as House chaplain during my years in the House of Representatives to arrange and officiate the office dedication. This year, his prayer for our office was so moving, I feel compelled to share it with you. There are other matters of governing I will share in a later report, but here is the prayer:

“Father, we acknowledge your presence, first and foremost. We declare your goodness and mercy each day of our life. Every breath declares you are God.

“Blessed be your name, Lord God, forever and ever; for wisdom and might are yours. You change the times and the seasons. You remove kings and raise up kings. You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. You reveal deep and secret things. You know what is in the darkness, and light dwells with you.

“Father, we lift up Sen. Emery and his staff before you in prayer. We pray that you would fill him with the knowledge of your will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that he would recognize his own inadequacy and pray and seek your plan and purpose for his session.

“We ask you to help him and bless the work of his hand, as he endeavors to do the work you have called him to do. Make your words known to him. We are thankful for all that you have called and anointed him to accomplish during this session.

“May he rise early to seek your face, speaking to you before speaking to man and hearing from you before making any decisions that affect this state and his constituents. May he live out this season of his life according to the blueprint you laid out for him while he was still in his mother’s womb.

“Fill him with your Holy Spirit for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and skill. Grant him these things beyond his own training, education and knowledge. May he listen intently and purposefully to what is wise, plead for insight and seek wisdom as for silver or some hidden treasure. May he follow after truth.

“Watch between Sen. Emery and his family as they are absent from one another. Protect him as he travels regularly from his home to here. Surround his family with your grace, mercy and protection. Empower him by your spirit to do what is right, just and fair. May the insight and understanding he receives from you guide him in his daily decisions. May he seek to do what pleases you. Surround him with a multitude of wise counsel. May the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart be acceptable in your sight, Lord, God, our rock and our strength . . . ”