During this year’s MSIA travel staff trip to the East Coast, about thirty interested participants and ministers joined John Morton on a visit to the Capitol Building in D.C. in an event organized by MSIA Minister Alicia Landa. The event included a visit to both chambers of our legislation, the House of Representatives and the Senate, where we gathered in each for about twenty minutes to chant our tones inwardly and silently pray.
The highlight of the event however was getting to meet Reverend Barry Black, the Senate Chaplain, in the Senate prayer room. He introduced himself and gave us an inspiring scripture- laced historical and autobiographical account of what duties and expectations lay in the purview of his job. In much good humor he told us, “contrary to what many believe there is a thriving spirit and a compelling spiritual directive on both sides of the aisle.”
Over two hundred years ago the Founding Fathers established this spiritual tradition by selecting a Chaplain and opening each session of the Senate with him leading them into prayer. This tradition began before the passage of the first amendment and continues today, and is often cited when searching for the interpretation of the intention of the early founders in regards to their beliefs concerning religious freedom. In addition there are discussion sessions, prayer meetings, and a weekly Senator’s prayer breakfast. Guest chaplains of all denominations are invited to lead special sessions. In addition, individual attention is available as needed for Senators and their families and staff.
In total, Senate Chaplain Barry Black is responsible as he states “for the well-being and spiritual fitness of over six thousand people.” We also learned of the constant reminders of Spirit carved as a series of inscriptions around the chamber; E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many One), Annuit Coeptis (God Has Favored Our Undertakings), Novus Ordo Seclorum (A New Order of the Ages), and of course In God We Trust.
Reverend Black finished with an inspiring prayer and asked for questions. At that time Alicia invited him to sit with us for a moment and, as he accepted, she very gracefully called in the Light for all of us. She extended an opportunity to bring forward blessings into the room and into the much larger area surrounding the Capitol. Several beautiful Light filled blessings were offered by our ministers.
John Morton was introduced and in his unique way brought the Traveler’s energy present. He began by telling a little about who we are as ministers in MSIA, who he is and what his responsibilities are as our spiritual director, and what takes place where two or more are gathered in the Lord. As he spoke there was a mutual recognition of our unity, a forging of fellowship that called us to a common purpose. There was an awareness of a spiritual collective, a gathering of benign beings holding in a singular purpose to guide and inspire toward the highest good. There was the revelation of a much larger intention at work in the business of the governing of our country.
John then asked Reverend Black what we could do to help him in his work. The Reverend stated that throughout the day, retirees walk the halls in prayer, prayers of intercession. He said he would like our prayers and the power in them to be added to all the spiritual work that had been done before, to make way for greater peace, co-operation, and the highest good for all of those governing our great land.
Later in the weekend at an MSIA event, we were to get more information on Prayers of Intercession. In a video Moment of Peace from John-Roger, we were told that Angels of Light and emissaries take our prayers and hold them to direct them where there is the greatest need, and John called on our ministers and initiates, especially Soul initiates, telling us that there is more to do. With our greater blessings come greater duties, to make our prayers and carry them to the angels and the emissaries where they can make visible differences for humanity. He spoke of spiritual timing, the later days that are now, and how our collective energy can manifest effects into the physical plane.
I am grateful for having been there. I left with greater hope, a more positive directive where I can actively participate, where I can minister as we are ordained, where this Light that is of the Christ can bring about transformation for the highest good through prayer.
