Oct.16 was “take your church to work day” for the Rev. Samuel Kofi Ashley, when he took members of Mount Pocono UMC to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, where he served as Chaplain for the Senate that day.

He was asked to deliver the day’s opening prayer for the Senate session (watch the video) and to serve as its honorary chaplain. So more than a dozen members and friends of the Pocono Mountains area church proudly went with him and his wife, Sarah Ashley.

Ashley, a native of Ghana and affectionately known as “Kofi,” wrote and offered a prayer for “senators, their staff, law enforcement and first responders.” He asked the “Almighty One” to give the senators “guidance with the spirit of wisdom and understanding,” among other virtues and blessings, and “courage and grace to discharge their duties in fairness and justice for all.” (See his full prayer below.)

State Senator Mario Scavello invited and hosted Ashley and his entourage. The Rev. Dai Morgan, Coordinator of United Methodist Advocacy in Pennsylvania, also greeted them.

Ashley, who has served Mount Pocono UMC for five years, also served as Chaplain for the House, the other state assembly legislative arm, in October 2012.

State Senate Opening Prayer, Oct. 16, 2017

By the Rev. Samuel Kofi Ashley

Video: Guest Chaplain, Rev. Samuel Kofi Ashley – Senate Republican Caucus

Almighty One,

You have asked that prayers and petitions be lifted up for those in places of authority.

So we lift before you all who serve our State through this legislative body.

We pray for the Senators, their staff, law enforcement, and first responders.

Guide them with the spirit of wisdom and understanding.

Grant them the insight and foresight to make the right decisions on behalf of those they represent

To those who make laws give courage and grace to discharge their duties in fairness and justice for all.

We pray that this Senate will be a strong force for good in every community, bringing relief to those suffering throughout this nation and the world.

May our lawmakers make a positive contribution toward the wellbeing of the people who sent them here.

We pray that they will be able to look beyond their differences so that their hard work and efforts can make a difference for all.

We bring before you our world, our nation, our leaders, service men and women serving in harm’s way. Please keep them safe.

We offer these prayers with thanksgiving in our hearts.

Amen.