Prayer Service for Governor Hogan Inauguration 1/16/19

Prayer Service for Governor Hogan Inauguration

January 16, 2019

We gather together today for a wonderful tradition, the inauguration ceremony for Governor Larry Hogan. An inauguration is a celebration: a celebration of our democracy and of the democratic process.  It is a celebration of both a new beginning, while also celebrating continuity.

Being elected by one’s fellow citizens, to continue to serve a second term as Governor of our great state is an affirmation by the people and a vote of confidence in the leadership and direction provided by Governor Hogan these past four years.

But, at this interdenominational ecumenical prayer service, in this sacred setting, since this is only the second time in over a century that a Republican has been reelected as Governor of Maryland, I would like to proclaim that it is more than an affirmation and vote of confidence.  It is a miracle!

What attributes does it take to be Governor, to be a good governor?

First and foremost, I believe it takes Heart – to have compassion for others, along with Humility, the humility to be willing to admit one does not have all the answers, the humility to be willing to listen to others, and the humility to admit when one is wrong.  As well as the humility to recognize that ultimately, the Holy One, the Divine Power, is the source of all power.

To be a good governor, one must be Open – open to hearing other voices and opinions, to have an office that is open to all, in order to best serve all the people.

To be a governor requires Good judgment.  We want, need and depend on our leaders to be level-headed, to have the prudence to guide us and make decisions that are balanced, fair and just.

It takes a little bit of Audacity – the audacity to be willing to try new things, to experiment and be willing to fail, to challenge the status quo in order to make things better for all.

And finally, it takes a special person to Navigate, Negotiate and Nurture the affairs of state.  To navigate when the path may not be clear and the sailing may not be smooth; the ability to negotiate, to compromise and resolve differences and thereby unite and bring us to together, coupled with the compassion to nurture and bring out the best in each of us.

Thank God the man we have chosen to serve as our governor has all five of these qualities, and more — Humility, Openness, Good judgment, Audacity, and a Nurturing spirit.

In fact, the first letter of each of these five essential components (Humility, Openness, Good Judgment, Audacity and Nurture) – spell his name: H-O-G-A-N!

Among Governor Hogan’s most endearing qualities are his compassion and the way he cares for all, that he clearly enjoys what he is doing, and is having a great deal of fun doing it.

So we pray Dear God, for your blessing on Governor Lawrence Hogan.

May he be granted the wisdom, courage, and fortitude necessary to lead our state.  May his abundant kindness, decency and love of his fellow human beings, continue to guide his policies and how he governs.  And finally, dear God, we pray for good health for him and all his family and loved ones.

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt

Congregation B’nai Tzedek

Potomac, MD

potomacrebbe@bnaitzedek.org