As I have mentioned before, I am not comfortable with public prayers being attached to civic or political events.  I feel there is pressure on the person praying to be less than authentic, and possibly co-opted to the cause, party, or outlook of the event sponsors.

Not everyone shares my hesitations, even among clergy.

I learned today that Disciples pastor Cynthia Hale, of the Ray of Hope Christian Church. just outside Atlanta, Georgia, offered an invocation at the opening of Tuesday's session of the Democratic National Convention.

The text of her prayer follows:

    Great and awesome God, as we gather in this place from all across the length and breadth of this nation, we pause to acknowledge you as the one in whom we live and move and have our being. You, oh God, created us in your image and likeness and invited us to partner with you in the stewardship of your world. We are called to be faithful over the earth, its people and resources.

    On this day as we gather to renew America's promise, we are keenly aware of the challenges American families are facing. God, people are being hit hard by the economic downturn, the energy crisis and rising food costs, the mortgage mayhem, as well as the absence of affordable housing and healthcare. Parents desire and deserve to be able to give their children quality and affordable education from pre-school through college.

    Times are tough; people are struggling; some have lost hope. We know, God, that this is not your perfect will for any of your people. It is your desire that all people have these basic human needs met. It is your desire that all would prosper and be in good health. It is your desire that everyone would be treated with dignity and respect.

    As a nation and as a party, we are at a crucial time. We have an
opportunity to not only make history, but to bring about change we can all believe in and restore hope to the hearts of women and men. Unite us as a party, oh God. Let us be one in this common purpose, to renew our promise so that we might live out our creed to be one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.

    In your strong and mighty name, we pray. Amen.