Here is the full text of the viral invocation prayer delivered by Texas State Representative James Talarico on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives on March 24, 2021:
Let us pray.
Holy mystery, you have so many names. The Torah calls you Creator. The Quran calls you Peace. The Gita calls you Destroyer. The Dharma calls you Truth. And the first epistle of John calls you Love.
You are the foundation of all religions. You are the ground of all being. You are the source of all life. You are the unity that transcends division.
We come before you today not as Democrats or Republicans, but as children of the divine, as brothers and sisters in the human family.
Forgive us when we put party over principle, when we put power over people, when we put fear over faith.
Remind us that we are all created in your image, that every person is sacred, that every life has dignity and worth.
Help us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you.
Guide the work of this House today. May our debates be honest, our disagreements respectful, and our decisions wise.
May we create a world that is more just, more free, more whole, and more in love with you.
In all your many names, we pray. Amen.
Even the devil can quote scripture.
Ah, here be a Pan-Theist.