... for the renewal and mission of your Church

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in Anaheim for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

As in politics, so in the Church, I may be a harsh critic of sad realities yet I wish ever to strive for the vision, the dream, the possibility of what should and what might be. I certainly wish for GC09 to be open to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that God may work wondrous surprises, may show us options beyond our either/or thinking, and may further the reign of God through our fumbling efforts.

--the BB