Blessing an American Moment

The Rev. Russell J. Levenson, Jr., rector of St. Martin’s Church in Houston, offered this invocation at the Republican National Convention’s brief plenary session on the afternoon of Aug. 27:

Almighty God, Father of the whole human family, we thank you and ask your blessing as we gather for this uniquely American moment. We thank Governor Scott and the good people of Florida who have opened their arms of hospitality to welcome those gathering here into their midst.

Lord, you who give life and health and safety, we pray for those already affected by the hurricane and for those in its path. Keep them safe, Lord. Deliver them and provide for their every need and bless those who assist them during this time of trial.

We also remember this day one of our great American heroes, Neil Armstrong, who captured the American spirit. As he reminded us, Americans have always reached for the stars, inspiring all humankind to do what others deemed impossible.

We thank you for guiding our nation’s founders who secured the inalienable rights that you bestow upon us: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We ask you to guide and direct with your wisdom our president, Congress, and the courts.

May America continue to be a light and to all of the nations, enabling those who will lead us to make dreams, hopes, and aspirations of all Americans into realities, and to make the American ideal a certainty — not just for some, but for all.

And finally, by your mercy, may we never forget that the freedoms that we have been won by the blood and the sacrifice of our patriots; always remember that our industry and innovation have been forged with the sweat and toil of American men and women; always believe that houses of worship and places of service are born of the fruit of your inspiration and the desire to honor and serve others; and may we never forget that we are at our best when we know in our hearts that we are not just one nation but one nation under God. In the name of our Lord I pray. Amen.

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