Let us pray,
God of our Fathers,
You have chosen Abraham and his descendants
to bring your name to the nations.
The power of life and love that comes from You
changes hearts and turns minds to peace.
We join with the psalmist in proclaiming,
“How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in unity!”
Tonight we come together as sons and daughters of Abraham in this effort of peace.
Bless all who will view this exhibit.
Give us understanding that puts an end to strife,
mercy that quenches hatred,
and forgiveness that overcomes vengeance.
Bring to fruition the good work begun by Your servant, Pope John Paul II,
and fortify us with Your abundant blessings: life forevermore!
Amen
Prayer by The Most Reverend Robert W. Finn, D.D., Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph |
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In the spirit of the Psalmist and Psalm 133 that Bishop Finn has just
quoted:
"Hineh mah tov umah na-im
shevet ahim gam yahad"
"How good it is for sisters and brothers to dwell together"
the sisters and brothers of those covenantal relationships with our common
Creator.
This is my prayer, my hope, my pledge--to be guided by that spirit and that
goal.
This is a "sheheheyanu" moment--that blessing recited for first and unique
occasions:
"Barukh attah Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, sheheheyanu, v'keyimanu,
v'hegeyanu, lazman hazeh"
"Praised are, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has kept us in life,
sustained us and enabled us to reach this great moment"
Amen!
Prayer by Rabbi Alan Cohen, Director of interreligious affairs for the Jewish Community Relations Bureau/American Jewish Committee |
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