Board of Trade Dinner Invocation

Given by Barbara Humphrey McCrabb, Director of Campus Ministry, and Monique Pauline Baker, Class of 2007

As we celebrate President Patricia McGuire, we do so with the voices of women - Hannah and Mary. As scripture tells us, they were women of faith and courage who made a difference in the lives of the people around them and for generations to come.

Let us pray�

Hannah
My heart exults in the Lord. My strength is exalted in my God.

Mary
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my savior.

Hannah
The Lord makes the poor and the rich. God brings low, but also exalts.

Mary
The Lord looks with favor on the lowly.

Hannah
The Most High raises up the poor from the dust.

Mary
Lord, show Your mercy to those who fear You.

Both
Lord God, You have done great things and holy is your name.

We give you thanks for our mothers in faith, for Sarah and Hagar, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.

We give you thanks for the prophets, Miriam and Deborah.

We give you thanks for Judith and Ester, the saviors of their people.

We give you thanks for educators like Julie Billiart, Julia McGorraty, and Mary Euphrasia Taylor, and for the many Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

We give you thanks for leaders like Patricia McGuire.

Grant us your grace that each one gathered here tonight will share in the work of mercy and compassion, lifting up and educating.

Grant us your peace to inspire non-violent resolutions to the conflicts we encounter.

Lord God, bless this meal and our sharing tonight, may it nourish and inspire us.

Amen.