PETER J. GOMES

          O God of promise and of providence, we rejoice that we have lived to see this day. Great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies we see. Thy prophets have told us of that day in which the old shall dream dreams and the young shall see visions: this is that day: we are glad, and we rejoice in it.

           The spirit of the Lord proclaims good tidings to the meek, liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. Thou hast given us beauty for ashes, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

           Those who serve Thee shall be called oaks of righteousness. For those who build the old waste places, who raise up the former desolations, who repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations, we give Thee hearty thanks.

           Remembering the service, the suffering, and the sacrifice of many, we rejoice now in the company of one spared to lead through service. We thank Thee for this example to the young, this encouragement to the old, this renewal of hope when hope itself had died.

           Bless now our every good endeavor, and the glad work we undertake today. Lift up every voice and heart, and let righteousness and peace spring forth before all the nations. Amen.