Each January 30, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park and the National Park Service hold a celebration at the Presidential Library Rose Garden to honor his memory. For the twelfth time in a row, I have offered the invocation at this event which typically includes politicians (last year, David Patterson was the featured speaker), local dignitaries and business people as well as an honor guard from West Point and at least one or two generals. Sometimes Roosevelt family members come, though not this year. Below is the invocation I prayed.
Ten days ago this nation inaugurated a new president, and we welcomed a new era.
Some have compared President Barack Obama to President Franklin D. Roosevelt because the times we live in remind us of those dark days when FDR entered office. And so let us offer up a different prayer today:
As we thank You, God for
The Wisdom Franklin Roosevelt showed in guiding this nation out of despair (despite the inevitable mistakes that come with leadership), let us pray that our new president may show like wisdom, and greater, for the stakes are high,
As we thank You, God for
The Hope President Roosevelt restored in our nation, let us pray that President Obama may restore hope in our day,
As we thank You, God for
The Foresight your child Franklin showed in leading our nation away from helplessness toward self-reliance, away from a defeatism toward a spirit of “We Can Do It,” let us pray that your child Barack will show similar foresight and lead us away from self-pity toward a spirit of “Yes We Can.”
As we thank You, God for
The Courage he showed not only in facing the depression with those immortal words, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself,” but also in leading this nation through a devistating world war, let us pray that our new president will know that same courage in our time of doubt and war.
As we thank You, God for
Franklin Roosevelt’s Insistence that ALL your children are equal in Your eyes, and that all deserve equal treatment, let us pray that Barack Obama will pick up that torch and lead this nation to a place of even greater equality among all your children everywhere.
As we thank You, God for
The Self sacrifice Franklin Roosevelt showed in Pouring out his life for his nation, let us pray that President Obama may display that same dedication in service, but also that such sacrifice may not be necessary, and that we may know a new day, a new era of hope, respect, and light. Amen.
