Rev. Jessica Petersen-Orwenyo delivers opening prayer in Iowa House, Senate

DES MOINES — The Rev. Jessica Petersen-Orwenyo of the Congregational United Church of Christ of Newton delivered the opening prayer Tuesday morning in the Iowa House and Senate as a guest of Rep. Dan Kelley and Sen. Dennis Black.

An opening prayer is offered daily in each chamber of the legislature by clergy invited by legislators. The Rev. Petersen-Orwenyo’s prayer corresponds with the national “Call to Prayer Day,” which was marked at the Iowa State Capitol on Tuesday by state and religious leaders.

Rev. Petersen-Orwenyo led a moment of silence for those affected by the tragedy in Boston and called on legislators to be free from fear when doing the work of the state.