Almighty God,
We thank you for this day as the Armenian-American community joins our friends within the California State Legislature to collectively commemorate the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a crime which sadly has gone unpunished and yet to receive universal recognition.
Today as we remember the innocent lives taken almost a century ago, we remember also the victims of all genocides, and at this time particularly the killing of innocent civilians in Syria. Our gracious Lord, we pray for You to grant peace to the souls of the departed and for Your protection to be upon all those caught in the crossfire of conflicts around the world. We continue to pray for a world where its citizens coexist in peace, with mutual respect and tolerance for one another, a world where liberty and human rights is regarded above all.
Lord, we thank our friends in public office for designating this time each year to honor the memory of our 1.5 million martyrs, and for their continued solidarity with the Armenian-American community in pursuit of our noble cause. As we work side by side towards a common purpose, may we draw strength, foresight, and wisdom from You, to think, speak, and do that which is right. May You grace us with the faith and fortitude to overcome challenges and hardship and remain undeterred in our tireless fight, even more so during this critical time as we are quickly approaching the 100th anniversary. With Your divine inspiration, and with our united efforts and determination, we are encouraged in that righteousness will prevail.
We ask for Your blessings and guidance to be upon our legislators, guiding them in their endeavors as they faithfully perform the duties entrusted to them as guardians of public interest, and leading them to continuous successes in their civil service to our beloved state of California we proudly call home.
May You keep us in all Your love, peace, and mercy now and forevermore, and may the memory of our loved ones remain ever-blessed.
We humbly bow before You, Lord, in praise and gratitude for Your abundant gifts.--AMEN
