Invocation at a College Graduation

Case Western Reserve Convocation

May 18, 2014

INVOCATION - Eric Dillenbeck

O God of fierce Holiness, yet of tender mercy…

We give you thanks for THIS Day, 

for the roads that have brought us here,

for the love and support that has carried us this far,

We are grateful for these graduates 

and the privilege it is to share in this commencement spirt, 

to share in this moment full of dreams fulfilled and horizons expanded.  

We give thanks for the gift of being able to breath in deeply of this moment…

the stress of exams is past…

the stress of writing papers is done…

the frenzy of grading complete…

the tuition payments have cleared… 

and now those gathered here are able to enjoy the depth of the joy of this milestone.  

We are grateful for the friendship and collegiality that has shaped the lives of those gathered to mark this auspicious occasion. 

For the thoughtful conversations with professors and classmates that opened new opportunities for growth and understanding; 

for the laughter and good times that carried these gifted minds through the anxiety and pressures of campus life.

We are grateful for the vision of the world these relationships placed in their hearts and for the next steps that lie in front of all those who are so ready to receive their degrees. 

Even as we give thanks for this leg of their journey, we ask that you surround them as they embark on the next roads their lives will take.

O God of Limitless Embrace, 

Help these graduates to remember the values, 

the knowledge 

and the friendship they have learned in this place; 

allow it to fill their hearts and their minds and then help them to share that with all the world 

so that their blessing can become a blessing to others.