Invocation for Opening Day, NM State House of Representatives

 (courtesy of Interfaith Worker Justice-New Mexico)

The Rev. Andrew Douglas Black
January 16, 2018
Creator God -- From the east and west to the north and south, you have gathered your servant leaders here so that this capitol may not simply be an arena of legislative work, but also that this roundhouse may truly be a symbol and beacon of hope, truth, justice, unity, and community not just for our state, but for the nation and the world.

As we open the 2018 Session, I pray that you watch over all of those who represent the people of New Mexico.

May these servants do your work with a spirit of energy, intelligence, and imagination.
May all who enter this capital be treated with dignity, respect and kindness.
May those with a voice help the voiceless speak, may those with power help the powerless, and may those who are fed with plenty help those who are hungry and in need.

As they tackle the various issues facing our state, inspire in these leaders great courage and vision to look beyond themselves to higher purposes and even greater horizons. May your spirit be upon them to speak truth in love, to tear down the dividing walls of hostility and seek reconciliation, and to move from the blindness of an eye for eye towards a justice that is restorative and brings about healing and wholeness.

O Great Spirit who gives us life--you have blessed New Mexico with a rich and diverse tapestry of history, culture, and sacred traditions that are rooted in the land and your creation.

Help us to remember that we are all keepers of this unique, rugged, beautiful and sacred place. A place that’s home to our families, our history and our collective spirituality.

We give you thanks for the mountains and the mesas, the acequias and aquifers, the water and wildlife, and the gift of good land that sustains us all.

Help us to be strong stewards of your creation, to work toward the common good and guide us all in developing responsible attitudes, behaviors and policies toward your land, water, and natural resources.

As we enter this new session, ...give each of these legislators the ability not only to develop practical answers to today’s problems but also bestow upon them the prophetic vision and faithful imagination needed to create long-term solutions that will benefit not only this generation, but the many generations of New Mexicans to come.

All these things we humbly pray, Amen.

(Rev. Black is director of Community Relations, Education and Veterans Outreach for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and a member of  First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe).