Bishop Wester offers invocation for Senate

Intermountain Catholic

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The Most Reverend John C. Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, offers the invocation at the opening of the Utah State Senate Thursday, Feb. 26. He prayed that God would bless the Senate as it serves the good of the people.

SALT LAKE CITY — In a moving prayer on the floor of the Utah State Senate Feb. 26, The Most Reverend John C. Wester, bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, opened the session with words asking God to bless the political decision-makers of the state.

The bishop was accompanied to the Senate chambers by Dee Rowland, legislative liaison for the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

"Gracious and loving God," the bishop began, "Father of us all, we give you thanks and praise at the beginning of this new day, confident that you have called us once again to new life in you.

"Our praise adds nothing to your greatness, but makes us grow in your love and for this we are deeply and humbly grateful."

The bishop asked God to bless the Senate as they took up their responsibilities in serving the public good of the State of Utah.

"Conscious that in you we live and move and have our being," the bishop said, "we ask that you look favorably upon us this day and that you bless this Senate as once again it takes up its burden of responsibility in serving the public good and preserving the good order in our State of Utah."

Bishop Wester asked God to bless the senators as they sought solutions to difficult problems.

"Guide our senators’ minds that they may perceive clearly solutions to seemingly intractable problems.

"Guard their speech that they may reflect the truth revealed in your holy will. Touch their hearts that they may show compassion and respect to each other and to those they have been elected to serve."

Bishop Wester called on the senators to remain faithful to the state’s constitution, and applauded their unselfish service to the state.

"Father in Heaven, conscious of our profound need for your grace and love," the bishop said, "help these honorable men and women to rise above any differences they may have and to fashion sound legislation that will promote the well being of all in our state.

"Give them the fulfillment of their aspirations, the joy of unselfish public service, and the peace of knowing that they have been true to their beliefs. May they be faithful to our state’s constitution and give witness in word and deed to the principles upon which it is based."

The bishop asked God to respond to the uplifted hearts of the senators.

"Lord of all, as we lift up our hearts to you now, we ask that you extend your arms of benediction over this assembly, the Senate of the State of Utah, and support them all the day through. May they always do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you, our God."