Every pastor gets invited to offer invocations at public gatherings. It goes with the territory.
I once prayed at the grand opening of a big box home-and-hardware store. As a thank-you, they gave me an electric Stihl saw. Not being a woodworker, I passed it on to a neighbor.
Once in a pastor’s office I noticed the wall covered with plaques and degrees and framed certificates. Not only was his high school diploma on display, but when the local supermarket thanked him for praying at their grand opening, he framed that letter too.
Okay. Here’s what happens. The secretary of the city council or school board or state legislature calls. “Pastor, would you say the opening prayer at next Wednesday’s session?” Before the call ends, you may expect them to say something like, “And pastor, please make the prayer inclusive.” Or interdenominational. Or non-sectarian. What she means is a) don’t preach to us and try to convert people in your prayer and b) if you must include Jesus, try to be gentle about it.
In other words, be nice.
You would think no one would have to tell a preacher to be considerate of others when he prays. But these public prayers have been abused by so many preachers, it’s necessary.
Now, if they tell me to leave Jesus out of it–in just so many words–I tell them I will not be able to help them, but “thank you so much for asking.”