Opening Prayer
03/20/2012
Reverend Andrew Walton
On a day when leaders of Irish and American nations meet to celebrate common heritage and mutual dreams, may our spirits be united in the one spirit.
May this day bring the memory of shared anguish and struggle to stir appreciation for times when comfort and peace are our companions.
May this day awaken within us wonder and imagination that inspire us beyond the confines of routine and ritual.
May the contemplations, conversations, and decisions of the day be undergirded by wise thoughts, kind words, and humane actions.
May we find God–given goodness within ourselves and within those whom we encounter that we may defend and nurture the worth and dignity of every human being.
May we find success on our journey.
Go n–eiri an bothar leat, meaning, ‘‘May the road rise with us.''
May the wind be always at our back.
May the sun shine warm upon our face,
The rains fall soft upon our fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold us in the hollow of God's hand.
Amen.