Texas' 82nd Legislature convened today. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, provided the opening prayer in the House and the closing prayer in the Senate. You may read the House prayer below. You can watch videos of both prayers here.

Almighty and compassionate Lord, you have revealed your glory to all nations and have care for all.  We humbly thank you for this land, our state, a land rich in resources but above all rich in its many people.  May we be a people mindful of your love, justice and kindness.  Save us from violence, discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.

God of wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted and judgment is decreed.  Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of this legislature and shine forth in all its proceedings and laws framed for our rule and governance.  May this house of Representatives seek to preserve the common good and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.  Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the Speaker and all representatives that their administration be conducted in right judgment and be eminently useful to the citizens of this State.  May they encourage due respect for virtue and religion and execute laws with justice and mercy.  May they have the strength and purpose to be accountable to the people and fulfill their roles with responsibility and their duties with honesty and ability.

We pray for the governor, for judges, elected civil officials and all others who are entrusted to guard our political welfare.  We ask for your mercy on those who were killed last Saturday in Tucson and healing for those wounded.  Please assist their families with your grace.

We above all commend to your unbounded generosity and compassion all the citizens of this State, that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your holy law.  May we be preserved in unity and in that peace the world cannot give.  After enjoying the blessings of this life may we be admitted to those which are eternal.

We pray to you, who are our Lord and God, forever and ever. AMEN.