Transcript: Joseph Lowery’s inauguration prayer, 2009.
This one is quite controversial - what do you think about it?
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand — true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.
We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we’ve shared this day. We pray now, O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration. He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national and, indeed, the global fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.
For we know that, Lord, you’re able and you’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these. (derived, partially at least from Matthew 25:31-46)
We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union. And while we have sown the seeds of greed, the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.
And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate, on the side of inclusion, not exclusion, tolerance, not intolerance.
And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.
Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little angelic Sasha and Malia.
We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.
Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream. (from Amos 5:24)
Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
Interesting….what do you think? How did it strike you?Leave a comment!
Chase
21 Comments
ChaseandSam.com » Inauguration day…. on January 20th, 2009
[...] Love him, like him, or lump him, we can all see that today will go down as very historic in America. On our church blog (see below, I’m the pastor of Agape Baptist Church in Pinson), I’ve posted the transcript of the inauguration prayers of Rick Warren and Joseph Lowery. I’d love to hear your opinion on one or both! The YouTube videos of each prayer are on there also. Here’s the transcript of Joseph Lowery’s inauguration prayer. [...]
Greg on January 20th, 2009
Mr. Lowery did not deliver a prayer but a speech. It was more to justify his thoughts rather than pray. As a speech it was inaccurate at best and inflammatory at worst. He was predictable with “Yes We Can” and to denigrate the “Rich” was just one thing that discounted this entire speech. His comment about White and Yellow did more to incite more separation than unity. Rather than people seeking apologies or compensation from those who had nothing to do with bad history, Seek true unity!!
Bill on January 21st, 2009
I heard about the prayer earlier today, but just tonight viewed the video and just happened upon your website to read its transcript. Thank you for posting it. Although not as spiritually invoking, Reverend Loweries’ prayer was very eloquent and more scripture-derived (both new and old testament) than Mr. Warren’s prayer. It was moving and inclusive and I was very touched. The reference to not exploiting the poor or meek and for the rich to not get distracted from God’s path for them by the idolatrous temptation of money, was simply a plea for the spiritual and physical well being of both groups; something God cares about and we are asked by Christ to do. We are to love God with all our heart and in many places are encouraged to give to the poor. Just for the record, I am a white middle-aged male and I am not poor. I interpreted the prayer as being partly the product of the wisdom of an elder who had weathered many trials himself. However, there is more to say. I wish the Reverend had used better candor and judgment than to conclude such a well-executed and heart-felt prayer with a silly rhyme about race. Such a wonderful prayer before our nation and new President and on behalf of both was essentially ruined by his closing words in an attempt to be witty. This poor old man, for either lack of common sense or weariness, perhaps a momentary whim, publicly flushed all his preceding graceful words with the same old, stale words of racial, finger pointing. The conclusion to the prayer was trashy and disappointing, in my opinion. It contradicted his earlier words of “…help us to make choices…on the side of inclusion, not exclusion…” The meaning of the verb, mellow, means to calm down or become mature; therefore, are we to assume that Asians were being singled out as being agitated or immature? Lastly, to end the prayer with such a bombshell of, “…when white will embrace what is right”! Why did he have to say that? Such a comment was very inappropriate for the moment even if it came from his heart. I was embarrassed, angered, and suddenly ashamed of this man. I suddenly felt left out and ostracized. The attendees, viewers, and the President were trying to just “go with the flow” and tolerate this unpredictable injection of awkward humor by the pastor into his prayer’s closing remarks. However, judging by the reaction on President Obama’s unassuming smile that suddenly switched to a sullen expression when whites were denigrated, I think Mr. Obama was also angered and disgusted by the divisive closing words. I know this clergyman is old and we Christians will forgive him of his faults – he meant well and tried to use humor. However, Rev. Lowries had an opportunity with the benediction to polish a new path consistent with the new President’s agenda and probably the needs of so many assembled souls. Instead, he derailed his own prayer for the people and Mr. Obama with customary and accusatory remarks. Unfortunately, he will be remembered for the last sentence by those who are less forgiving of him. I cannot understand why the President’s staff wouldn’t screen the remarks and prayers upfront and hold speakers to accountability. I think Mr. Obama would be well advised to stop making as many promises and stop raising expectations in the minds of citizens; his people tend to keep surprising and embarrassing him. That’s just my opinion. Thank you kindly.
Emery Tuttle on January 21st, 2009
Pastor Lowery: I am an 88 year old WWII pilot . I liked your prayer. In 1941 I saw first hand the white who wasn’t right and I’m white. In 1961 I hung a jury that saved a black man from 5 years in prison in an unfair trial. Some of us have been right for a long time.
keith h wimmersberger on January 21st, 2009
Thank you for posting the wonderful, refreshing, redeeming, ivgorating inauguraltion prayer of the beloved Joseph Lowery. What a saint. He said it all, though maybe not liturgically correct he jprayed form his hear and mine as well. Rick Warren was succinct but maybe a little too cute.
keith h. wimmersberger
carolyn on January 21st, 2009
I love this prayer. Yesterday it brought tears and laughter to my heart. I went searching for it today on the Internet so I could read it again. Thank you for sharing.
HITMAN1 on January 21st, 2009
I find it interesting that after all these years the black people won’t get over the past. We have NFL Players making millions for running and catching ball, we have NBA players doing the same thing. I would say that the opportunities are there for the black person and the money is there as well, one must seek out the opportunities. Contrary to popular belief oportunity doesn’t come to your front door and knock. His last comment pissed me off and if this is what Obama’s adminastration is going to keep stirred up, and his press people not pre read something so important as this speech was not a prayer, then we as a country are headed for a long and painful 4 years. I am a Black man that served with pride in the Marine Corp. People get over yourself. I don’t know anyone in my family left alive that picked cotton. GET OVER IT or get out of the country that I fought for as a BLACK MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shame on Obama’s adminastration for letting this one slip through!!!!!!
Yellow mellow « Die Wahrheit ist untödlich. on January 21st, 2009
[...] “Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right. Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.” (hier komplett) [...]
Ann Patra K on January 22nd, 2009
Dr Lowery , said an amazing prayer for the nation and the world at large, his last words were interesting, l guess to all who listened carefully , ”Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.” Thank you for sharing such heart felt words. Ann patra
Rev ELS on January 22nd, 2009
Well, we’re (Americans) in dialog about prayer again. Praise God!
We really are not called to agree or disagree with the prayer of others. Read the Psalms and ask yourself, do I agree with all the words used by David and others who wrote them? Of course not, but the true message of those words is for God to decide. God inspired David and the others with these words to inspire us and help us in our prayer life. My opinion as to the true test of a prayer (If I would dare think a moment like God)? Words that acknowledge His sovereignty, are sincere and honest. Remember, God already knows what we are thinking and Jesus said a sinful thought is just like committing a sin. Pray that God will forgive us all, when we confess our faults before Him, believe in His heart transforming power and trust in His saving grace.
Now if nothing else, Lowery’s prayer gave me an opportunity to express my thoughts about prayers on this sight. My friends, that in itself might the greater blessing in all of this!
MPRA on January 22nd, 2009
This prayer was eloquently said and touched all of the country, until the ending paragraph. I am a white woman and was thoroughly upset at Dr. Lowery words “When the white will get it right” I am a law abiding citizen and have friends of all different ethnic backgrounds that are Americans. Those lines were just plain wrong, especially after such encouraging words about unity!!!! It was a complete contradiction!
BenInCO on January 22nd, 2009
Same as the crowd that booed Pres. Bush, Laura Bush, VP Chaney and Lynn Chaney, this was inappropriate, divisive, ill-mannered, embarrassing, disrespectful and insensitive. As a bi-racial American Indian/European I found the oratory despicable, mean spirited, offensive and lacking of manners. There is a time and place for such speech, the inauguration was not one of them. During this historical moment in our history it was blight. Ugly, Ugly Americans raised their heads and displayed to the world that they really are, a bunch of ill-mannered, impolite and insensitive bumpkins. It points out the selfish “me only” stance of a “deserving” group of people who believe they deserve everything but feel, no demand, that they should be able to do as they please without accountability. Any individual, including the President, who thought this as cute, appropriate, or acceptable should be taken behind the woodshed and have their rear tanned.
Astrid on January 22nd, 2009
Thanks to Mr Lowery for the beautiful, great and humouristic speech which hihgly impressed and moved me during the inaugeration ceremony. Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to save it and read it many times. The speech may inspire us all to become better human beings towards each other. Yours grateful Astrid in Norway
Oumy on January 22nd, 2009
Brilliant! Creative! Poetic! and truthful! Simply beautiful and inspirational!
MDUSA on January 23rd, 2009
Thank you for sharing Reverend Lowery’s benediction with us. It’s disheartening to read so many negative comments everywhere about it. I think it was a very good speech and the ending was quite humorous and truthful, which I think is what hurt the naysayers on this historic day. The point is…the truth hurts period. We must not get upset with the messenger though. But we must pray and continue to move onward to the mark for which God is calling ALL of us. And as is very evident now more than ever…GOD IS CALLING! Lord, let us not miss out on your call to all of us to serve you.
true american on January 24th, 2009
THE BLACK NEED’NT GO TO THE BACK, THE RED MAN CAN STRIVE TO GET AHEAD, THE BROWN HAS ALWAYS HUNG AROUND,THE YELLOW CAN CONTINUE TO BE MELLO, AND THE WHITE KNOWS WHAT’S RIGHT. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN SO MANY BIGGOTS IN ONE PLACE AT ONE TIME. THIS PRESIDENCY IS A JOKE FROM THE BEGINNING. TRUE AMERICANS BETTER WAKE UP. WE HAVE 1400+ DAYS UNTIL WE GET THIS FOOL OUT OF OFFICE. THANK YOU A TRUE AMERICAN
Debra on January 25th, 2009
Joseph Lowery’s speech made me very sad.
I am a white female, born and raised by white parents in the great state of Alabama. My parents were not racist,believe it or not. I was raised in a home where you gave everyone a chance. I am so thankful that I did not have parents that tried to poison me against people I did not even know. Judgement should be reserved for evil on an individual level and not applied to an entire race of people.
Mr. Lowery’s words were offensive and caused me to have no respect for him. If we are ever going to have unity Mr. Lowery and others like him have to move on and stop living in the past. You cannot move into the future and keep one foot in the past. Mr.Lowery you should be ashamed.
I DO EMBRACE WHAT IS RIGHT AND WHAT YOU SAID WAS NOT RIGHT!
It really hurt when the president was laughing at what was said by Mr. Lowery. This is not the kind of change the people of America were hoping for.
dee hughlett on January 26th, 2009
Having had some time to think about the last Tuesday I can only hope and pray that the president and his team get it together. The color of his skin means little now. I and my husband are white, our children are black and biracial. As they are making their way in the world it won’t matter what color their skin is. It’s that character content that will guide them.
Joseph on January 30th, 2009
I think that it is a shame that these so-called pastors parade as men of God when they are really men of a political ideology. I do not deny that as Christians, we ought to engage the culture and work for justice, but men like Lowery have spent their lives turning ostensibly religious institutions into grassroots election offices for the Democratic Party. Even in prayer, Lowery fails to rise above worldly, partisan, and misled cares.
Proud American on January 31st, 2009
Talk about a sinful prayer - the “low moment” was hearing one who claims to be a servent of God show his racism and profess it be acceptable. This man should be ashamed - this was no prayer - was disrespectful and offensive. God hears not such prayers nor those who applaud racist humor. It would be Christian to not place your chip on the shoulder of another. Only memory of this will be the shame put upon himself and his physical presence allowed by the new president.
drlashley on January 20th, 2009
I strongly agree with the words of Dr. Joseph Lowery in his inauguration prayer. Even the levity of the last paragraph slyly but succintly spells out his hope for this new administration. Please send me a copy of the transcript of this prayer. Thank you Lynn Ashley