(First published on 3/7/24 in UUliFE)
Today (Wednesday) I was honored to offer the daily invocation to open the Maryland State Senate. Senator Johnny Mautz had submitted my name a few months ago and today was the invocation.
The words I offered are below. After sharing my words, I stayed for an hour to observe the session. Several groups were honored for community work. There were a few proclamations adopted. Bills were read and amended. Senators cordially asked each other questions on provisions. It was the democratic process at its best. Through it all, people were coming and going from the chamber – I’m guessing lobbying and discussing options in hallways. 
As I headed back to my car, I took a picture to recall the day. It was raining, yet there was a tree in bright pink bloom. I’d spoken in the orderly historic Senate chamber, and outside the capitol building is under construction, surrounded by scaffolding. The contrasts in the picture seem to capture something about the mixed experience of democracy in our country today.
It was an honor to have a small part.
In hope,
Sue
March 6 Invocation and Prayer, Rev. Sue Browning
“Good morning and greetings from the Eastern Shore. Thank you for inviting me to be here today. I invite us now into a time of reflection and prayer. Spirit of life, spirit of love, gracious God known in many ways, be with this body as it engages in the work of serving all in the state of Maryland.
We take this moment to remind one another that the work of governing is done in the presence of something beyond those here today, something beyond these walls. Among the many ways we are supported, we stand before an amazing cloud of witnesses. We offer gratitude for the many who have come before and the painstaking work they have done to bring justice to life year after year, bill by bill, vote by vote. We come together knowing the work done today will provide a foundation for those who will follow.
In this moment we honor that in all we do we are not isolated beings, but are connected in mystery and miracle to the universe, to this community, and to one another. We pray for all here today as you prepare to serve the state in a spirit of respect, compassion and love. In the many ways we pray, Amen.”