Behind the Scenes

by Gene Shelburne

In order for this meeting to run smoothly, Lord, a lot of people

on our city payroll have spent a lot of hours

                        gathering data,

                                    shuffling paper,

                                                soliciting input,

                                                                        honing recommendations.

            Without their work we’d be in a muddle today, Lord.

            And we’d probably be here all night.

 

Thank You, Lord, for quality people who quietly and efficiently

                        labor behind the scenes to handle the business of our city.

            We’re grateful for their commitment to excellence and for

                        their dedication in serving our community.

Any good we do in this meeting, Lord, will depend for the most

            part on the work they did before we got here.

 

Bless our mayor and our commissioners, Lord, as they forge

                        final decisions based on the input of the staff.

            Grant them Your wisdom, Lord.

            Help them to be sensitive to all the people whose lives will

                        be affected by votes cast here today.

And especially, Lord, open our hearts and eyes to the

            handiwork of the seldom-seen staffers whose quality

            preparation makes this meeting possible.

 

Watch over our city and all its staff. Amen.