Dozens of Missouri lawmakers began the first day of the 2015 legislative session with prayer.
Legislators joined Gov. Jay Nixon on Wednesday morning at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City for the annual governor's prayer breakfast.
The 2015 annual legislative session started at noon.
Both House Speaker nominee John Diehl and Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey were among the more than 650 attendees.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes President and CEO Les Steckel described how his faith influenced his career as a coach in college football and the NFL. The former Minnesota Vikings head coach told an attentive crowd that "this country needs heroes" before attendees bowed their heads in prayer.