A Picture a Day...: Commencement

Today is my sister Ili's graduation! She graduated from Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee. My dad flew up from Mexico and was invited to give the Invocation at the beginning of the ceremony.

Prayer of Invocation
for the Commencement Celebration of
Lambuth University, May 6, 2007 Jackson, Tenneessee

Spirit of the Living God, come bless us with your love and grace as we gather to celebrate the conclusion of the academic year with students and their families, trustees and faculty of Lambuth University.

God of life and wisdom, come and bless students and teachers all over this country and all over the world with visions of a new humanity, caring, sharing, giving and receiving.

God of justice, come and help us so that we may work for life and against the culture of death at home and abroad.

God of peace, come and help us to establish peace not with guns, but with justice and wisdom whose result will be peace and security according to your word.

God of hope, help us to build bridges of dialogue and understanding instead of walls of separation.

God of creation, come and help us to save the Earth and tis good gifts and beauty for the sake of all People.

God of live, love, forgiveness and creator of new futures and new life, we pray that you will bring consolation and healing, to students, faculty and families of the Virginia Tech community. We also remember those who in this land and other countries daily suffer the loss of family members under the impact of war.

God of mercy, as we rejoice in this celebration in context of peace and security, grant us the courage to work more decisively for peace in the world! Thus we pray in the name of the One who is above all names. Amen and Amen!

Rev, José L. Velazco M.