Prayer delivered at the opening of session, January 19, 1999

Dear God, our Heavenly Father,

Thou who are the shepherd of the sheep on a thousand hills and yet who are so merciful that you care for even the humble lamb!

I thank you for this special day that You have given to each of us as we stand before You once again to ask You to order our steps and direct our pathway as we do the people’s business.

Help us to be mindful of the commitment to serve this office with fidelity, to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before you!

Let Your peace begin here and spread not only through the walls of this House but may it spread like a green bay tree through the Commonwealth.

Thank you and Amen.