AUGUSTA — Sen. Erin Herbig, D-Belfast, welcomed Pastor Peter Sheff of Abundant Grace Ministries in Searsmont to the State House on Tuesday, March 19.

Pastor Sheff gave the opening prayer in the Maine Senate before the start of the day’s legislative session.

Local clergy have offered blessings and inspiration to legislators at the beginning of the day since the first days of the Maine Legislature in 1820, according to Senator Herbig’s office, in a news release. Once the prayers are offered, they are entered into the official Senate Record.

Religious leaders who are interested in offering a prayer should contact Sen. Herbig’s office at (207) 287-1515 or at Erin.Herbig@legislature.maine.gov.