Because the 2015 Kentucky WMU Annual Meeting was just 15 miles from Frankfort, one of our Friday afternoon activities was to take a group to the State Capitol to prayerwalk.  About 200 of us rode buses to Frankfort to participate. We gathered first in the Rotunda for a time of singing and prayer, then spread out around the building to pray.  Susan Bryant, our state WMU president who worked in state government for many years, provided a prayer guide.

In preparation for our time of prayer, I shared brief remarks about why we had come and several scripture passages that teach us to pray for our leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (HCSB) says, “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Then in verse 8, Paul writes “Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.”  1 Peter 2:13-15 reminds us, “Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.”  We went to do good by praying.  

Perhaps you would like to take others and go pray at the Capitol. The following prayer guide will help you. Remember that as elected leaders change, this guide will need to be updated but the basics of the building and what takes place remains the same.

CAPITOL PRAYER GUIDE

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – SUITE 100 – STEPHEN BESHEAR, GOVERNOR
The Governor is the head of the executive branch of Kentucky state government.  He also serves as commander in chief of the Kentucky National Guard.  The governor enforces state laws, and has the power to veto bills passed by the Kentucky General Assembly.  He may convene special sessions of the General Assembly and grant pardons.  The Governor also has the power to reorganize state government.
     Prayer suggestions:  The election of the new Governor this year, pardons to be considered by Governor Beshear before leaving office, decisions based on Christian principles.

OFFICE OF THE LT. GOVERNOR – SUITE 142 – CRIT LUALLEN,  LT. GOVERNOR
The Lt. Governor is a constitutionally elected official who is the second ranking officer of the Executive Branch.  Lt. Governor Crit Luallen was named to this office in November 2014 after former Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson resigned.  The Lt. Governor serves under circumstances similar to that of the Vice President of the United States and has responsibilities and duties as the Governor shall assign or delegate.
     Prayer suggestions:  Lt. Gov. Luallen as she works to promote Kentucky.  Pray for wisdom in the election of the Lt. Governor during this election year.

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL – SUITE 118 – ATTORNEY GENERAL JACK CONWAY
The Office of the KY Attorney General offers various consumer protection and victims advocacy programs for residents of Kentucky.  Additionally, it serves in an advisory capacity on child support enforcement.  It has various divisions which include an administrative hearings division, communications office, KY Bureau of Investigation and Medicaid fraud division.  The Attorney General also provides legal opinions to public officials to assist them in the performance of their duties.
     Prayer suggestions:  Pray for wisdom of the Attorney General in the various duties perform by this Office.  Pray for wisdom in the election of a new Attorney General during this election year.

SUPREME  COURT – ROOM 235
The Supreme Court is composed of 7 judges who are elected for 8 year terms in non-partisan elections.  The Supreme Court is the court of last resort and the final interpreter of state law.  The court does not retry cases; it receives oral and written briefs from which it makes its decisions.  Cases involving the death penalty, life imprisonment, imprisonment for 20 years or more are reviewed by the Supreme Court as a matter of right.  The Supreme Court is also responsible for establishing rules of practice and procedures for the Court of Justice which includes conduct of judges and attorneys.
Supreme Court Justices include: Bill Cunningham (1st District), John D. Minton, Jr. (2nd District), Daniel Venters (3rd District), Lisabeth Hughes Abramson (4th District), Mary Noble (5th District), Michelle Keller (6th District), and David Barber (7th District).
     Prayer suggestions:  Pray that the Justices will make wise decisions of the cases coming before the Court.  Pray for Christian principles to be upheld in all decisions.

KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The Kentucky General Assembly convenes on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January.  It meets for 60 days in even numbered years and for 30 days in odd numbered years.  The House of Representatives and Senate create new laws, amend existing laws and enact the State budget.  Interim joint committees meet when the legislature is not in session.

House of Representatives
The House of Representatives consists of 100 seats.  Representatives are elected for 2 year terms with the entire House elected every two years.
     Prayer suggestion:  Pray for the election of a Christian to each House seat during this election cycle. 

Senate
The Senate consists of 38 seats.  Senators are elected for 4 year terms with half of the Senate elected every two years.
     Prayer suggestion:  Pray for the election of a Christian to each Senate seat during this election cycle.