PROVIDENCE — Following the prayer vigil, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin offered the invocation for the opening of the Rhode Island State Senate on Jan. 5. He offered the following prayer:
“Dear God and father, we thank you for presence among us, and for the grace and guidance that you give us. Mindful of both the responsibility and the privilege that are ours, we pray ... That we be instruments of your peace, in thought, word and deed; That where there is hatred, we will sow the seeds of love for all our brothers and sisters, made in your image; That where there is injury, we will seek pardon, and that our community will be healed by the power of your grace; That in place of discord, we will strive for unity as a witness of our common heritage, our shared values, and our mutual goals; That were there is doubt or error, we will be guided by the certainty of your divine wisdom and eternal truth; That any hint of darkness or despair will be replaced by the virtue of hope, a hope that contains us and inspires us, even in the most difficult of days.
“Dear God, send your blessing upon all those present here this day,” the bishop prayed. “Let them strive to do your will, build your kingdom and serve all our brothers and sisters with wisdom, courage and love. All this we pray, now and forever. Amen.
