Eternal God, our Father, we seek Thy presence here on this meaningful occasion. Give to us, webeseech Thee, an awareness of the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us in this moment:
Apostles, prophets and martyrs who bequeathed to us a worthy faith;
Pilgrim feet that beat a thoroughfare for freedom across the wilderness;
Patriots whose dreams saw beyond their years;
Defenders of our liberties who sacrificed their own dreams that we
might realize ours;
Pioneers of the mind who have left us the benefit of their discoveries,
enabling us to continue the search for truth on this campus.
For the rich heritage of the past we give Thee the praise of our hearts!
Especially do we thank Thee for those who are near us now and mean
so much to us:
The faculty and staff of this University who have guided us through the
discovered realm of learning;
Our parents who have given and given and given again that we might
come to this happy hour;
And friends whom we will not forget though the journey of life be long
and hard.
Truly, O Lord, others have labored and we have entered into their
labors.
Now take away from us, we implore Thee, all selfish pride of success and all fear of failure. Save us from the acceptance of a happy youth and a trained mind without a sense of obligation both to man and to Thee. Give us the wisdom to plan our lives within Thy greater plan for us and all mankind. And when the storms are raging sore around us, may we always be able to hear Thee saying, "It is I, be not afraid."
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued and ended in Thee, we may live to glorify Thy name and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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