A Prayer for a Judge

I was happy to be invited to say the invocation prayer and thus participate in the oath-taking ceremony of our newest Federal District Judge for the Southern District of Texas, Judge Rolando Olvera. It was a beautiful, solemn and joyful occasion. Congratulations to Judge Olvera, and to his wifem Rita, and children Rolando and Catarina. May God bless his service to the people of our nation.

Below is a copy of the prayer I used for the invocation and blessing.

O God

You are the source of all authority and right judgment. 

On this day when your servant, Judge Rolando Olvera begins his term of service, as United States District Judge.

We ask that you give him aid so that 

his use of authority might always be imbued with right judgment. 

Help him be 

Humble in the presence of power,

Kind in the presence of anger,

Wise in confronting conflict,

Just in judging contrary claims. 

Make him attentive to the cries of the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, so that no personal interest or ambition slip into his assessments, and hinder the freedom and integrity of his judgments.

Make him mindful that to whom much is given, much is expected, and that you, Just Judge and servant of the least, both bless and judge. 

You bless today, and you will one day judge what good we do with your blessing. May your blessing assist him and give him courage, and may the prospect of your judgment keep him clear-eyed and sincere in the fulfillment of his duties.

We ask your blessing and protection upon Judge Olvera, his wife and children, his family and friends. And on this day bless all gathered here and all public servants, their families, and the people they are called to serve. And make all of our hearts dwelling-places of compassion, Justice and integrity, 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

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