In the week since the Supreme Court barred gerrymandering of districts intentionally based on race, many state legislatures have been busy debating how to redraw electoral maps. Some lawmakers have offered non-race-based ideas – including proportional representation – to ensure all disadvantaged voters have a voice. Such ideas, however, might first entail a dialogue, both across the aisle and across races.

In Alabama, one legislator, Rep. Curtis Travis, offered a different kind of dialogue Monday. In an opening prayer at a State House session on redistricting, he asked “Eternal God” for His wisdom.…