Invocation/Innaguration

Invocation

O Lord God our Heavenly Father,

high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords,

who beholds all dwell on earth from your throne in Heaven

and reigns with power supreme over all Kingdoms, Empires and Governments;

We ask you Lord to look down on us in mercy,

Be present here in this place, O God of wisdom,

and direct the councils of this honorable assembly;

enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation.

that order, harmony and peace may be effectually administered,

and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people of Lincoln park.

Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of minds of these chosen leaders;

shower down on them and the many they here represent,

such blessings as You see best for them in this world

and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come.

All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Savior.

Amen.

Inauguration Invocation

Almighty God,

Great is Your faithfulness, Lord, unto us.

Even on this cold November evening, new mercies we see.

Your word says “every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights.”

Our new mayor has never claimed to be perfect,

but she is good—good to those who know her,

good to the city she has served,

good for the community she now leads.

So we begin this meeting with a prayer of thanksgiving for our new mayor— Maureen Tobin.

Yet even as we thank you that she is with us today Father,

we set her apart from us on this day for the task of leadership.

Be with her.

“Establish the work of her hands.”

Allow her to keep her heart of service even when some don’t want to be served.

Empower her to keep her tongue of eloquence even when the critics are harsh.

Ensure her heart be full of hope even when the temptation of apathy is around.

Father Your word has shown us that good leadership demands good character.

So we thank you for Maureen’s heart,

her integrity,

and her service to You.

Father, even in this day that values pragmatism,

keep this mayor principled.

In this day that values the shortcut,

give her a vision for the long-haul.

And Father, we recognize that even though the waters appear calm on this beautiful day,

there are some hidden rip-currents in this community.

There are some people and institutions who on the surface give the appearance of integrity

but underneath have a swift current of injustice guiding their actions.

Father, give this Mayor a soft hand, but a stiff backbone.

Give her a quiet determinism that marches toward justice no matter what she might face.

Let her be as “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

But not just her, Father.

Be with us as well.

Let us be voices of encouragement that drown out the voices of pessimism.

Let us be quick to act when most are just quick to talk.

Let us love in a way that challenges the powerful and comforts the downtrodden.

And finally Father, let this be a day for the children of Lincoln Park.

Let Maureen’s life and position be one that encourages hope and possibility.

Lord, all she will need

you will provide

so give Maureen “strength for today and a bright hope for tomorrow.”

In Jesus name,

Amen

Benediction

We turn to You, O God,

in deepest gratitude

on this exalting day of reaffirmation

of our City’s ideals and unity,

and of personal vows

of sacred obligation

by our new Mayor, Maureen Tobin

in Your name, Jesus.

To you, O God,

to who alone belongs the dominion and the power,

be her stay and support

in the fulfillment of those who have placed their trust in her as our mayor,

Be with her to insure the unfettered implementation

of the spirit and letter of the Law

for all the inhabitants of our city,

to provide them equal opportunities of learning

and labor

and well-being,

to safeguard the physical and moral integrity

of our beloved City,

founded on faith in You, Jesus.

Lord, You are the source of all life,

quicken Maureen’s heart always

with the awareness of Your presence,

and especially in the lonely moments

of fateful decisions

which may be hers alone to make

for us

and our city, be with her God.

Guard and guide her in Your loving kindness,

that through her leadership

hunger may be stilled,

hurts healed,

hope sustained,

the weak and the worn assisted,

human dignity and decency up-held,

and peace in freedom prevail

among all Your children everywhere,

with nothing to make them afraid.

In profound humility, O God, we pray

that Your blessing may rest

upon our Mayor

and all associated with her

in our Government,

which we the people have set in authority,

upon everyone

and everything

dear and precious to her and us,

as I repeat the words

of the ancient prayer of Benediction and blessing:

May the Lord bless you

and keep you.

May the Lord make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you,

May the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

In Jesus name I pray:

Amen