Comments on: Text of Inaugural Invocation and Benediction

By: Domestic Divapalooza

Domestic Divapalooza — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:40:12 +0000

[...] Tip Jar Text of Inaugural Invocation and Benediction Pray for President Obama I’m Grateful Teens and Their Future Inauguration Day Hope he [...]

By: MICHELLE

MICHELLE — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:46:09 +0000

THANK GOD FOR PASTOR RICK WARREN THAT'S RIGHT HE USED THE NAME OF JESUS SOMEONE STANDING UP FOR THE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST AND NOT A COWARD! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I'M SURE THAT WAS A BIG CROWN PLACED ON HIS HEAD SO THAT HE COULD PUT IT AT THE FEET OF JESUS..HALLELUJAH! LET ME SAY IT AGAIN JESUS…HELLO..

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:54:04 +0000

For black who remember that saying from childhood the ending comments of the benediction were funny. People need to stop taking life so seriously. Minorities are continually on the outside looking in. Now they feel included and those that have been included for an eternity suddenly are getting a taste of what it feels like to be on the outside of a joke. it was a joke that was symbolic of how far we've come. if you think race no longer matters you're being naive. of course, it does and maybe now there will be a greater chance of an intermingling of cultures through this one little saying.

By: HiScrivener

HiScrivener — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:47:12 +0000

Hrm. Let's see…

What I thought about the prayer: http://hiscrivener.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/gob...

It was much better than expected, but still underwhelming. And he seemed to enjoy saying his daughters' names waaay too much. IJS.

What I thought about the event: http://hiscrivener.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/gob...

Maybe Rev. Lowery would enjoy reading that, and uh, I have a Crayola 64 box for him to wax poetic if he still feels frisky.

Call me.

By: Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:35:38 +0000

Well, they may have historical and cultural significance to African Americans, but then he opened the door to misunderstanding and people taking offense.

The “as we leave this mountaintop” I think refers to the inauguration. The phrase “or wherever we seek your will” does seem to imply a relativistic approach to theology or a universal salvation. I really don't know anything about his theology beyond the fact he is an ordained United Methodist pastor.

By: Terrie

Terrie — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:05:32 +0000

Hey Shane,
I have read several comments out there in the blogosphere regarding Rev. Lowery's prayer that state that the ending words do have historical and cultural significance to African Americans. Perhaps I just don't understand.

After reading through his prayer again, I think that the more problematic words might be found in the sixth paragraph beginning with the words, “And as we leave this mountaintop,”. He ends the paragraph with these words, “or wherever we seek your will.” Is Rev. Lowery suggesting that all ways of seeking God are valid? Perhaps I am reading more in to it than he meant. However, it bears repeating that although we respect the right for people to exercise their religion of choice, Christians must stand firm and unwavering in the truth of the gospel.

By: Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:20:41 +0000

Why do you say that? Just curious.

By: Shushannah S. Lopez

Shushannah S. Lopez — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:08:23 +0000

i would say the benediction is more inspiring and heartfelt prayer than the invocation.

By: Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:57:29 +0000

I agree, it would have been just fine without that last paragraph.

By: Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 02:56:33 +0000

Yes, that is what I meant – “He did, like I thought that he would.” is what I should have written. Sorry I wasn't clear.