An Invocation for the Peachtree Road Race, 4 July 2017
By The Very Reverend Sam G. Candler

From all over America, from all over the world, we gather today for the blessings of running and rejoicing, for the blessings of diversity and freedom!

We are different today! We are runners, we are walkers, we are wheelchairs. We are elite, we are not-so-elite – we are ordinary, and we are extraordinary. We are believers in God, and we are not believers in God.

But, today, we are One. We believe in the Peachtree Road Race, and its ability to gather all sorts and conditions of humanity in blessing America on this Fourth of July.

In the name of God, and in all the names of God, we bless each other in the Peachtree Road Race.

Blessings to Muslims: Asalamu Aleikum!

Blessings to Jews: Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu!

Blessings to Christians: Jesus loves you! Benedicite Deus!

To Hindus, to Buddhists, to atheists, to agnostics.

God blesses each and every one of us. Dios les bendiga!

May this Peachtree Road Race be safe and fun, may it be challenging and relaxing. May today be a holiday, a holy day, of blessing and grace, of vigor and energy!

In the Name of God, and in all the Names of God – the God above us and the God beside us, the God at the starting line and the God at the finish line – we bless each other. In the running of the Peachtree Road Race today, in Atlanta, God bless all of America. AMEN.

The Very Reverend Sam G. Candler
4 July 2017

July 7, 2017/by Rachel