How are prayers or invocations before public meetings picked? Updated: Aug. 02, 2013, 6:35 p.m. ... and it has created some truly inspirational moments." Birmingham Board of Education.

If the City Council wants to have something before the meeting, let's call it a solemnizing message. It could be something inspirational or motivational. Or it could be a prayer.

Invocations such as this are important to those who believe prayer is an inspirational way to begin council meetings. ... the prayers common at many town meetings leave them feeling left out.