liberally speaking...

I was thrilled to see and hear one of my favorite people* give the Closing Benediction at the first night of the Democratic Convention tonight in Denver. Don Miller, the bestselling author of books such as Blue Like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What, delivered a powerful plea with the conviction of a passionate liberal's heart and stated eloquently all the reasons why I am a card-carrying Democrat. (*This is the same guy who hugged me and autographed my books when me met 3 years ago; I'm still amazed and pleased that his celebrity has not diminished his dedication to his beliefs, as is often - and tragically - the case when idealists achieve notoriety.)

He spoke not cliche' and buzzwords, but convictions that reach across party lines. He touched on the elements that unite us as a party and must unite us as a nation if we are to conquer our societal afflictions.

Most importantly, he addressed the primary concern of all mankind: that we are equally responsible for caring for "the least of these." Thank you, Don, for your honest and moving words. If only more people who dare to call themselves Christians would share your views, echo your words, and follow in your footsteps by choosing action over apathy.

Here is the transcript of his prayer, as posted on his Website:

"Father God,

This week, as the world looks on, help the leaders in this room create a civil dialogue about our future.

We need you, God, as individuals and also as a nation.

We need you to protect us from our enemies, but also from ourselves, because we are easily tempted toward apathy.

Give us a passion to advance opportunities for the least of these, for widows and orphans, for single moms and children whose fathers have left.

Give us the eyes to see them, and the ears to hear them, and hands willing to serve them.

Help us serve people, not just causes. And stand up to specific injustices rather than vague notions.

Give those in this room who have power, along with those who will meet next week, the courage to work together to finally provide health care to those who don’t have any, and a living wage so families can thrive rather than struggle.

Hep us figure out how to pay teachers what they deserve and give children an equal opportunity to get a college education.

Help us figure out the balance between economic opportunity and corporate gluttony.

We have tried to solve these problems ourselves but they are still there. We need your help.

Father, will you restore our moral standing in the world.

A lot of people don’t like us but that’s because they don’t know the heart of the average American.

Will you give us favor and forgiveness, along with our allies around the world.

Help us be an example of humility and strength once again.

Lastly, father, unify us.

Even in our diversity help us see how much we have in common.

And unify us not just in our ideas and in our sentiments—but in our actions, as we look around and figure out something we can do to help create an America even greater than the one we have come to cherish.

God we know that you are good.

Thank you for blessing us in so many ways as Americans.

I make these requests in the name of your son, Jesus, who gave his own life against the forces of injustice.

Let Him be our example.

Amen."