In the Name of God – Most Compassionate Most Merciful. Greetings of peace! May the peace, blessings and mercy of God be upon all of you. I am Munawar Haque – Imam at the American Muslim Diversity Association (AMDA), a mosque and Islamic center located in the city of Sterling Heights.
What a beautiful gathering! It is amazing to see the love and beauty of brothers and sisters like you who unite together to build awareness and gain understanding of the people of various cultures and faith traditions living around you. This is the way to begin enjoying unity in diversity. We hope and pray that God, Lord of mercy may continue to give us the gift of togetherness.
O Almighty God – O Creator and Sustainer – O Source of all Being – You created unity in the midst of diversity. We acknowledge that human diversity is an expression of your love for your creation. We thank you for the astonishing variety of races and cultures in this world. Place in our hearts the desire to make a difference to our families, communities, societies, countries, and to the many cultures and peoples around the world. Go with us as we embrace life in all its fullness. Go with us as we find the courage to create a place of welcome for all.
We confess that in our brokenness as human beings we turn diversity into a source of alienation, injustice, and oppression. Our Lord! Take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts. Break down the walls that separate us, and unite us in bonds of love. Build bridges across all that divides us. Make strong in our hearts what unites us. Empower us to recognize and celebrate differences as your great gift to the human family. Enable us to be the architects of understanding, respect and love. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship.
Almighty God! We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Guide us to the straight path, the path of those You have blessed; not of those You are displeased with, or of those who are astray.
We turn to you in prayer and ask you to bless us. Bless this food you have given us, and bless us in our daily lives. Help us to be generous toward others, and to work with them so that they too may eat well. We thank you for bringing us together for this meal. Help us to remember you, to be grateful to you, and to worship you in the best possible manner.
In a world where so many are hungry, may we be humbled while eating this food. In a world where so many are lonely, may we share this friendship with joyful hearts. May we continue to live in harmony with one another.
May the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee and the recipients of the Diversity Distinction Awards continue to be blessed for championing diversity in the city.
In God we trust. May goodness flourish. Amen.
