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Archbishop John Nienstedt delivered the invocation at the 2009 Minnesota Prayer Breakfast April 8 at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. The text of his prayer follows:
God of power and majesty, we gather this morning entrusting ourselves to your care.
“When we see your heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and stars that you set in place — O Lord, who are we, that you are mindful of us?”
And yet, you DO care for us – you ARE mindful of all our difficulties and concerns.
We ask for your presence and your help.
Many in our communities are facing economic hardship — in good measure due to personal greed.
Wars and rumors of wars continue to divide us.
New threats arise almost daily to the dignity you have given to all human life created in your image and likeness.
At this time when we need you most, our culture seems to be trying very hard to shut you out.
We gather here to invite you in.
All powerful and ever-living God, as we prepare to celebrate again the great passion, saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, your Son, we first confess to you that we are sinners and that we stand in need of your mercy.
We ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon us.
Renew our minds and hearts, that we may truly be a people of justice, peace and love.
We know that only in this way can we find stability, security and hope.
We pray in a very special way this morning for the great state of Minnesota — a land of great beauty and a people of great talent and heart.
Guide our civil, political, and religious leaders that we might work together for the common good as well as for the glory of your name.
Protect us from harm and from the temptations of our world.
Drive out any spirit of malice or envy and above all fill us with your love.
We ask all of this, through the strong and powerful name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord.
+AMEN Catholic Spirit
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