On May 13, Father Richard John had the opportunity to offer the invocation before the Michigan House of Representatives at the State Capitol in Lansing. The invitation came from State Representative Tim Kelly of Michigan’s 93rd District, a member of Father Richard’s parish (St. Dominic in Saginaw), who asked him to lead the opening prayer before the legislative session began.
Father Richard John shared that representatives may either give the invocation themselves or invite a guest clergy member to do so. He described the experience as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it was encouraging to witness so many public servants working with dedication while striving to uphold faith and values in their service to the people of Michigan.
In his prayer, Father Richard John asked God to guide elected leaders with “wisdom… justice, integrity, and compassion,” while also praying for unity, peace, and protection for the people of the state and nation.
Father Richard John also noted that another priest from the Diocese, Father Stephen Blaxton, had previously been invited to offer the invocation several years ago. Reflecting on the experience, Father Richard called it “a nice experience to see and know lots of good people working for the state with dedication and upholding faith and values.”
Father Richard John serves as parochial administrator at St. Dominic Parish in Saginaw,
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Invocation Prayer
“God of love and peace, we praise and adore your holy name, and we thank you for the gift of creation, through which you provide all that we need to live. You have made us caretakers of the earth; and as we gather here in this House of Representatives, we humbly seek your grace. Fill these elected leaders with wisdom, so that they may labor for the good of the people and serve with justice, integrity, and compassion.
Father, you gave us your Son, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace; bless all who serve in this chamber with peace and joy, that they may share these gifts with every community they represent.
As you have taught us to love one another, may these representatives uphold the law with charity, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of all citizens. Guard and protect them from every harm and danger. Strengthen them to be faithful guardians of the weak, defenders of the vulnerable, and wise stewards of the public trust. Grant them courage in moments of difficulty, humility in times of success, and a spirit of unity as they deliberate on behalf of this great state.
We ask your mighty blessing upon all the people of this state and of this nation. Preserve us from sickness, disaster, and every natural calamity throughout this year, and continue to safeguard our communities from all evil. We entrust each representative to your providence, that they may be instruments of service, faithfully fulfilling the promise they have made to the people they serve. Be with us, O Lord, in this shared endeavor. Lead us to new ways of building our state and nation in unity, charity, goodwill, and peace. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”