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"Postal Prayer"
Continues to Hold its Appeal
By John Jay Daly
Here's the only Invocation I've ever heard which merited a standing ovation. Written by then-Msgr. Raymond J. Boland (now the retired Catholic Bishop of Kansas City-St Joe, MO) it was given in the major ballroom of
the Hilton Washington at the 1986 National Postal Forum sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service.
While it had immediate applicability to the 3500 business mailers and postal personnel attending, (including. the PMG and dozens of his top aides) it's obvious this "message" has broad applicability.
I quickly memorized his eloquent words and have recited them regularly, including using it as "grace" for our family and when dining with friends. When meeting planners need an Invocation, I've also saved
them a stipend by offering these words. You are welcome to do likewise, but please give credit to Bishop Boland, an Irishman with a poet's touch!
"God. Our Father, as we gather to study the myriad operations of the United States Postal Service, send Your Spirit among us to enlighten our
minds, clarify our thoughts and spark our creativity to better our communications so that all those we value as sour customers may be enriched by our deliberations.
"May everything we do be first class. Provide special handling for those of us who are fragile... and keep us in one piece. We have been signed,
sealed, stamped and delivered in your image and likeness... and we beg you to keep us in your care as we go about our appointed rounds. And, when our days draw to a close, and we are marked "return to
sender" please greet us at Heaven's door so that no one may ever say "undeliverable at this address."
"Bless the food we are about to share, the hands that have prepared and serve our meal, and each time we eat let us be filled with gratitude for
the plenty you have given us and be mindful of those where hunger stalks the land. Teach us to be responsive to the blessings which are ours this day - and every day. AMEN."
(written by Catholic Bishop Raymond J. Boland.)
NOTE: If desired I can send you Invocations I have given to several of the "Association Trends" annual awards luncheons each January. Send double-stamped long SASE
to me at 5630 Wisconsin Ave,(#903) Chevy Chase, MD 20815-4456.
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