Inauguration Prayer

After such an incredible benediction from Rev. Dr. Lowery yesterday, I was inspired to write an inauguration prayer of my own, giving allusions to various works ("answers" below).

Inauguration Prayer

We know that progress is often an illusion of our finite minds,
Still, we cannot help but to celebrate what has happened this week.

The dream is no longer deferred. That dream has come.

In this New World
May we lend a helping hand
An open mind
And a hoping heart
Especially to the least of these

May our actions be full of compassion, grace & mercy,
Knowing that all good gifts come from you, the Father of Lights

May the hopes of this nation not rest on one man,
But be grounded in the hope we find in you, in Christ your Only Child
Who lived a life of love, service and devotion to you

Just as he was your beloved, we too are your beloved children.
May we remember that all of us are beloved by you
Give us the courage and strength to do your will
And hold us and mold us in your motherly love
As it is in your heavenly reign

May your abundant graces
Of Hope
Possibility
And Love
rain down on ALL peoples in this New World

Let us go outside and play in the rain –
And let the tears splash all over us

Amen.

Allusions:
Langston Hughes, "Dream Deferred";
Movie: "What Dreams May Come"; "that dream has come."
James 1:17; "Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights"
Dave Matthews Band, "#41": "Why don't you go out in the rain and let the tears splash all over you"