On Thursday, June 11, Father Andy Booms had the opportunity to offer the invocation before the Michigan House of Representatives at the State Capitol in Lansing. The invitation came from State Representative Jerry Neyer of Michigan’s 92nd District, a member of Father Andy’s parish (Sacred Heart in Mt. Pleasant), who asked him to lead the opening prayer before the legislative session began.
“Each day the House convenes with an invocation and each member gets a day to invite the spiritual leader of his or her choice to lead it,” Fr. Andy said. “The House was gaveled to order at 12 noon.”
Below is Fr. Andy's prayer.
Prayer for the Michigan House (June 11, 2026)
Heavenly Father,
As we begin our day’s work, we thank You for the gift of public service
and for those entrusted with the care of the people of Michigan.
Send forth Your Holy Spirit upon this House.
Grant these representatives wisdom in deliberation,
integrity in decision-making, and a sincere desire
to seek the common good above every lesser interest.
In this month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
we remember the Heart that loves without counting the cost,
beats with mercy, and longs for reconciliation.
Give this chamber that same Heart—
to heal what is divided among us
and soften what has grown hardened.
Bless the people of Michigan through our work.
Strengthen families, protect the dignity of every human life
from conception to natural death,
and bring hope to those who struggle and those in need.
Help us to love the immigrant while preserving the good order of law.
Help us to see our neighbors as persons to be loved, not problems to be solved.
May our debates never lose sight of those we serve,
and may our laws respect the rightful role of families and communities,
foster solidarity, and uphold human dignity.
On this memorial of Saint Barnabas,
we ask his intercession that we may seek what is good and true
and persevere together in times of disagreement.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus teach us
that strength and compassion are not rivals
but partners in service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen