The Senate stood for the prayer which was offered by Rev. Mark D. Clements of La Crosse.

"Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, is recorded as having said during the darkest hours of our nation's Civil War and I quote: "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day", end of quote. Often times when sensing the need for wisdom and direction, I remember President Lincoln's statement, and I too go to my knees and ask for the Lord's help on my own behalf. As a lifelong resident of this state, I am deeply honored to be here in our Capitol today to ask of Him on your behalf.

Almighty, Eternal, and Merciful God,

Those whom I stand before today in this chamber have been chosen as leaders to govern and guide in the affairs of our great state. Their deliberations and determinations impact many, and their decisions and actions affect us all. Therefore, gracious Lord, I humbly bow and ask for Your assistance. I ask that Your hand would be upon each of these our Senators, that you would grace them with wisdom, with understanding, and with divine guidance, that You would strengthen them for their work and bless their bodies with health, that You would provide protection and keep them in safety, that You would grant them supernatural contentment and an inner peace and a great sense of fulfillment and personal satisfaction for having served here.

May the work done here benefit all, and may You grace these proceedings with Your presence and with Your unending goodness.

In Your Holy and Majestic Name I pray, Amen."