The Rev. Mandy Miller (second from left) poses with State Sen. Judy Schwank, along with Miller's husband John and son Kean.

The Rev. Mandy Miller, pastor of Holy Cross UMC and its Calvary Campus in Reading, served as Guest Chaplain for the Pennsylvania Senate in Harrisburg Dec. 13, invited by State Sen. Judy Schwank of the 11th District. 

In presenting Miller to offer the Senate prayer, Schwank noted that the pastor encourages her church’s community involvement and is the longtime president of the parents and teachers association at her children’s elementary school.  

Miller was accompanied in her visit by her husband John and son Kean.

Read Miller’s prayer:

We gather this day proclaiming the love and grace that we have received through you, our Creator and Sustainer. Together we yearn for the day envisioned by the psalmist and hoped for through generations of the day when, “steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; and righteousness and peace will kiss each other.”  

We gather O God, thankful that you created us with the ability to think and make choices. Filled with your Spirit’s power we will work for the day when all might know the wholeness and health that you desire for us. That all will live without fear of violence in homes or schools or work. 

Today we draw upon your power to give us courage that we might speak your truth now and at times when we are confronted with hate and fear. Embolden us by your Spirit to make us clear in our declaration that the day has come when steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; and righteousness and peace will kiss each other. And lead us to act in ways that makes this so. 

Amen