Las Vegas pastor delivers Senate prayer

The Rev. D. Edward Chaney, pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Las Vegas, delivered the opening prayer in the U.S. Senate this morning.

The prayer:

Let us pray. Bless us now O God, touch our hearts for without your love, light and life we are nothing.

Give our lawmakers strength and courage as they make decisions today that impact the lives of all Americans.

Lord, remove the divisive spirit that prohibits true transformation and allow your presence to become not just common but harmonious.

Through our dedication, commitment and sacrifice we thank You for cleansing us from the ills of this world and making us fit to serve and honor you.

We ask these blessings in your name. Amen.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., introduced Chaney, pastor of the church at 500 W. Madison Ave. since November 2008. Chaney, active in the Urban League and the NAACP, recently retired as chaplain of the U.S. Air Force Reserve at Nellis Air Force Base.

The Rev. Barry Black, a retired Navy rear admiral who is the U.S. Senate chaplain, delivers the opening prayer most mornings but guest clergy are invited on occasion.