Can a public body begin its meetings with a religious prayer?

Well here is the advice that a Chicago law firm specializing in municuipal law gives:

November 2015

Can a public body begin its meetings with a religious prayer?

Yes, but with limits. The United States Supreme Court has decided many cases on this subject but its decisions do not give clear guidance. If a public body wishes to include a prayer as part of its meeting, here are a few guidelines to follow so as to avoid conflicts with the First Amendment.

• Seek out clergy from a variety of denominations and faith traditions to lead the prayer.
• Include a statement at the top of the printed agenda which says that says that the government body "does not endorse religious faith. The prayer is intended to lend solemnity to the public meeting and invite an attitude of respect and consideration."
• Request the cleric to speak in nonsectarian terms, not referring to any specific denomination or creed, nor advocating particular beliefs, emphasizing the purpose of the prayer as stated on the agenda. If the cleric does not abide by this request, don't invite him/her back.
• Do not provide compensation to the cleric from public funds
• Conduct the prayer before the roll call which begins the official meeting. Typically the Pledge of Allegiance is recited before the roll call; this would be the best moment for the prayer.

By: Paul Keller

Above is from: http://www.ancelglink.com/Resource