Martha Jane King, who represents Logan and Todd counties in the Kentucky General Assembly, had the honor of representing the House of
Representatives in offering a prayer at the 47th Governor's Prayer Breakfast on March 6 at the Frankfort Convention Center.
She was the only woman participating orally in the program. Sen. Jimmy Higdon led the invocation, General Edward Tonini prayed for the military,
Rabbi Marc Kline read the scripture, and Rep. King prayed for the Commonwealth.
The Governor's Prayer Breakfast is a longstanding tradition in Kentucky dating back to 1965 and includes representatives of all three branches of
government. Each year it provides Kentuckians with an opportunity to give thanks for our blessings, provides hope for the future and an opportunity to
ask for strength to lead the Commonwealth to a brighter tomorrow.
The theme for the breakfast was “A Humble Resilience”. Governor Beshear chose this theme in honor of Kentucky's people, who have endured natural
disasters, a global economic recession, a crippling prescription drug epidemic, and so many other troubles with a prayerful and humble resilience that
should inspire those entrusted with leading our Commonwealth to come together and work beyond party lines and electoral season politics to, with God's
guidance, build a stronger future for all Kentuckians.
The text of Rep. King's prayer, which was limited to a two-minute maximum, follows:
And the scripture says, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning.” Would your bow you heads in prayer with me. Dear heavenly father we come to you this
morning as a grateful commonwealth. In awe of the blessing you have bestowed on us through your grace.
We pray that you give the wisdom you have promised to those who ask, and the strength that you alone can give. We pray for those in leadership of this
great state and ask that you bless them with your words in your scripture, Kings 3.2 “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy
people, that we may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people.”
We pray for the families across this state who struggle each day to survive, dealing with conditions beyond their control. Give them the strength to
meet each day, with renewed hope, and spirit to work for a different future. We ask for you to comfort and uplift those who have suffered great loss of
property and life from violent storms.
God we ask that you give us courage to be a people unafraid of the tasks ahead, to help us to share and serve the greater good. To temper our words
with civility in our tone and attitude, knowing that we are responsible for our actions to you.
Dear Lord, you have been our refuge for generations. In the words of our preamble, we continue our resolve to acknowledge your grace in the history of
our state.
“We, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy, and invoking the
continuance of these blessings, do ordain and establish this Constitution. It is in that spirit that we come to you now to renew that blessing upon our
great state.”
It is in this spirit that we come to you now to renew these blessings upon our great state. May we carry forth the torch of faith in all we do, in
Jesus' name we pray. AMEN
.