Thursday, March 14, 2013

Opening Prayer for the CO State House - 3/14/13

Opening Prayer for the State House of Colorado
March 14, 2013
Rabbi Joseph R. Black – Temple Emanuel - Denver
Our God and God of all people:

We come to you this morning from many different traditions and cultures. You reveal many truths – it is our task to hear and heed them.

Merciful Creator, guide these Legislators as they go about their sacred work. May any conflicts that arise in the course of deliberation be seen as a reflection of diversity and not a cause for demonization.

Holy One of Blessing – help our leaders to see the good in one other – and let that goodness triumph over partisanship.

Help them to give faces to the faceless and hope to the hopeless.

May this day bring out the best in these men and women who have been sent here to bring about change.

Our God – though your presence is often illusive, we can see you in the longings of our hearts.  Some of us seek prosperity – others simply want a place to lay their heads in warmth and safety.

Some can find you in the hope for a better tomorrow.
 
Others – in the ability to feed their family today.

We have heard you in moments of wonder – when men, women and children have rejoiced in newfound freedom and acceptance.

We have sought your presence in the midst of debate and in the messy process of legislation.

On this day of deliberation, let us pray that our leaders and officials might find You within themselves. 

·         May they find You in their ability to hear one other – to respect one other – to do the sacred work of governing our State of Colorado.

·         May they find You in satisfaction that comes from hard work and due deliberation.

·         May they come to know You as they come to know each other – and respect the skills that each brings to the floor of debate.

·         May their discussions give way to a higher sense of purpose and understanding – and along the way, may it elucidate and elevate the decisions that are to be made.

We thank you for these men and women who serve our great state of Colorado.  Guide their deliberations with purpose and an awareness of the sacred.

And let us say,

AMEN

 

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