Invocation
at the Investiture of Diane Clarke Streett as a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Delaware
New Castle County Courthouse, Wilmington, Delaware
President’s Day, Monday, February 15, 2010
Diane Clarke Street is a long-time member of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (SsAM) in downtown Wilmington and, until recently, she served as Register of Wills for New Castle County, Delaware (an elected office), and on the Trial Court of the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware.
Photo by Lou Angeli (Click here to see more photos from the investiture)
This invocation was given by the Very Rev. Lloyd S. Casson, Interim Dean, Philadelphia Cathedral, and former Rector, SsAM. It anticipates the challenges any judge faces, and asks for God's inspiration and mercy.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy immortal one, life-giving spirit: in your love you pervade all that is, seen and unseen, and you dwell deep within the midst of us. Your law is perfect and your judgments are true.
Be with us gathered here today for the investiture of our sister, your servant, Diane Clarke Streett, called to be a judge of the Superior Court of our State of Delaware. Pour down upon her, we pray, an abundance of your blessing that she may perform the duties of her office with grace and dignity. As she dons her gown, enfold her with your love, and the assurance of your constant presence with her.
Grant her the eyes to see your image in every person before her, according them the dignity and respect which you have conferred upon us all. Grant her the wisdom to judge courageously, wisely and, insofar as is possible, without ambiguity, so that the decisions rendered from her bench are just and impartial. Give her compassion for the people who stand before her awaiting the judgment of the law, and guide her to know when her decisions need to be tempered by reason and mercy.
When she has exhausted her own sources of wisdom, grant her the insight to seek Yours. When she makes a mistake, as all of us do, grant her the humility to acknowledge and correct it.
Give her such strength of character that no one may have cause to question her integrity, and protect her from the temptation to use her office for personal gain. Thus, may she secure and maintain the trust and respect of all of those with whom she interacts in the court, and the trust of all the people of Delaware.
Finally, give all of us the will to support Judge Streett with our prayers and cooperation — not only today but as long as she serves — as she seeks, both from the bench and in her work with others, the realization of the dream of Delaware as a happy, harmonious and just place to live for its people of every religion, culture, economic status, sexuality, and walk in life.
Anoint then, this day, the honorable Diane Clarke Streett — your servant — with the oil of gladness, and grant that, as she enters her office, she will be strong and of good courage, holding fast to that which is good and right, and trusting that wherever she walks you will be walking with her.
We make this prayer, giving voice to all the people gathered and from around this state, who in our diverse faiths, spiritual paths, and with many names, call upon You.
Amen.