Holy One of Blessing, whose presence within us and around us
inspires us to be partners in the ongoing miracle of creation,
grant blessing and peace to this great state
and to its many millions of wondrously diverse inhabitants.
And fill with wisdom and courage
the legislators who have been chosen to occupy this chamber,
the leaders who possess the honor and the awesome responsibility
of serving and guiding the people of California.
For we know how great are the pressures upon those who lead,
How numerous are the obstacles to acting for justice.
O Source of Love and Goodness,
renew on this day, and on every day,
the restless spirits that first called our leaders to their service here,
the high ideals that have fueled their journeys
and defined their purpose.
Those spirits and ideals are needed now more than ever,
to combat the forces of cynicism and convenience
that entice us to accept less than we know is right.
In the Book of Proverbs, we are taught:
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
May those who lead us see with wide and determined eyes,
affirming again and again
the humbling public trust which has been placed in them.
Amen.
