Davison's Doodle

A Prayer for the Senate

My path to ordained ministry is best described as switchback path.  I was clear that I wanted to serve in youth ministry and that being ordained, called to ministry, was important obligation if I was to be a good steward of my own experiences and those that helped me along the way.  Rev. Dr. Bob Schomp is one of the persons that guided me along the ordination path during the end of my seminary days.  Dr. Bob, as he prefers to be called, was the chair of my interview committee that questioned me and as best they could, understood my desire to seek ordination.  Dr. Bob trusted me with an internship at Lubbockview Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) the summer after I graduated from TCU and was preparing to begin at Brite Divinity School in the fall.  I don’t remember the occasion for us being together, but I remember his words.  “I am working on my DMin at Brite and this summer I need to be in Ft Worth during the weekdays for classes.  Would you like to learn more about ministry by working at my church and keeping the place running while I am away during the week? It will be a good learning experience for you.”  He was present for my ordination interview, the first to welcome me into ordained ministry when I was approved, and at my ordination service at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lubbock, TX, back in 1991.  Rev. Dr. Bob Schomp is an old school Disciple that I respect and trust.  Yesterday, it was his honor to give the opening prayer for the United States Senate.  I would have had a difficult time doing this, but Bob demonstrates a steady trust and willingness to politely remind power what the spirit and task leadership is about in the 21st century.

Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Reverend Dr. Robert K. Schomp

God of many names and faiths, we praise you for the freedom of religious expression which allows us to worship you in the temples, mosques, synagogues, and churches of our nation: To you belong all realms, all power, and all glory. Yet in this nation of immigrants, the United States of America, you have given us the freedom to establish our own government in order to defend and oversee the rights and welfare of our citizens. Today, we pray for this august body, the United States Senate, whom we the people have chosen to share in the leadership of our country.

We pray for your assistance for these privileged women and men. Bless them with the stamina, the toughness, and the integrity to fight for what is right and honorable in your sight. Instill in them the desire for unity within diversity; the will to overcome racism and bigotry; the courage to break down dividing walls of hostility; the ability to hear and respect the voices of those who disagree with them; and the determination to work with each other for justice, freedom, and peace. Amen.