Prayer and Politics

I was honored to be asked to lead in prayer in the joint session of the Kentucky legislature last Monday night at which the new Governor gave his first State of the Commonwealth Address. The irony of the situation was not lost on me. Governor Steve Beshear's number one agenda item is to pass a constitutional amendment that will legalize expanded gambling in Kentucky so casinos can be located within our borders. I am one of the most outspoken opponents of this measure, so it made for an interesting situation.

Senate President David Williams, a Republican, invited me to give the invocation at the joint session Monday night, which was carried on live television statewide. I was planning on that. What confused me, however, was that democrat Speaker of the House Jody Richards' office called last Friday and told me to be present to give the invocation in the House at 4PM Monday. When I heard that message, I thought they had changed the time or something. Turns out that Speaker Richards invitation was completely independent of President Williams' invitation, so I opened the House at 4PM and then the joint session at 7PM. I wonder if I'm the first to get to give an invocation in the legislature twice in one day? I certainly need the practice.

In both prayers I thanked God for those honorable public servants who have given themselves to improve our state, but I also asked Him to give them the courage to refuse any option that preys on the poor and pitiable.

One Courier-Journal scribe reported that I "frequently" campaigned with former Gov. Ernie Fletcher (I did not) and that I am his pastor (I am not nor have I ever been). Peter Smith, the C-J's religion writer always does a good job with the facts, however, and he blogged about it and got it correct.

These are interesting days in Frankfort. I find myself in the position of "the loyal opposition." If Gov. Beshear solves our budgetary woes without resorting to expanded gambling, he can go down as one of Kentucky's greatest governors. That is what I pray for him.

You can view it here.