Monday, May 27, 2024

Invocation for the Mizel Museum Annual Dinner honoring Payton Manning

 


Our God and God of all people:

We live in divided times. Everywhere we look we see forces that demonize the weak; aggrandize the bleak; and lionize cheap speak.  Sometimes it feels like everything we thought we knew in the past has been on its head and the voice of morality is replaced with the talking points of terror and hatred.

We need You, O God – in times like these- to hold us accountable to our souls and the moral core that you have bequeathed to us. We need individuals and organizations that share a vision for a better world – free from hatred, terror and propaganda.

Tonight we come together to recognize the contributions of the Mizel Institute and its mission of combating extremism and promoting a vision for a world where equality and morality are the cornerstones of society.

We also have come to pay tribute to Payton Manning – a man whose athletic achievements are only a small part of the legacy of leadership, community service and national pride that he has continually shared with our city and nation.

God – help us to find common ground in these times of division and fragmentation. May we work together to build upon the values that we celebrate this evening and help repair your broken world.

Baruch Ahtah Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha-Olam, She-hechianu, V’Kiimany, V’higianu Laz’man Hazeh

We praise You, Eternal God, Ruler of the Universe, who gives us life, sustains us, and brings us together for holy moments. AMEN