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Inauguration Ceremony of Governor Mike Parson, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick and Attorney General Eric Schmidt

By Most Reverend W. Shawn McKnight, STD, DD, Bishop of Jefferson City

11 January 2021

Let us pray.

O God and Lord of history, in gratitude we turn to you in this bicentennial year and on this glorious day of celebration for the great State of Missouri. 

As we have witnessed the oath of office by our Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Attorney General, we plead for your sacred assistance, O God of Peace and Justice, so that they may serve faithfully the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Missouri, which bind us together.  May they protect our civil freedoms; guide and foster our unity in times of uncertainty; nurture social comity, justice and peace; and lead us all into prosperity.

Bless our Governor, Mike Parson, and all who work with him in the governance of this state, so that they may lead us, not merely with the power of their office, but with moral authority founded on personal integrity and character.

O Supreme Ruler of the Universe, to whom alone belong the dominion and the power, be their support in the fulfillment of this awesome trust of the people to ensure the spirit and letter of our Constitutions for all the inhabitants of our land. May they provide the people with opportunities for education, jobs, commerce, health and well-being, and to safeguard the physical and moral integrity of our beloved state, founded with trust in You.

O God, the source of all life, quicken their hearts always with the awareness of Your presence, especially in the lonely moments of fateful decisions which may be theirs to make for us and our world.

In profound humility, O God, we pray that Your blessing may rest upon our Governor and all associated with him in our Government, which we the people have set in authority, as we repeat the words of the prayer, ancient and yet ever new, from sacred writ:

The Lord bless you and keep you!

The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!

The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!

AMEN.