Archbishop Golka Prays for Denver at Mayor Mike Johnston’s Third State of the City Address

In a historic first for his ministry, the Denver archbishop offered the invocation before the mayor’s annual address, calling for wisdom, service and care for the city's most vulnerable.

Screenshot from the City of Denver's livestream of Denver Archbishop James Golka praying the invocation during Mayor Mike Johnston's State of the City address on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. (Courtesy photo)

Before Denver Mayor Mike Johnston took to the podium to deliver his third State of the City address, there was a moment of quiet, prayerful, albeit confused calm.

As Denver Archbishop James Golka began his invocation at the invitation of the mayor, a hush came over the crowd, made up of hundreds of citizens of different faiths, cultures, languages and experiences — a living patchwork of Denver’s beauty on full display.

While many seemed surprised to see a Catholic bishop leading the city’s opening prayer — a historic first in Archbishop Golka’s ministry — they couldn’t help but feel uplifted and encouraged by the prelate’s presence and prayer.

“Ever faithful, all-loving God, we know that you are trustworthy. We know that you care for your children, your family,” the archbishop prayed. “Tonight, we give you thanks for the many gifts received. In a particular way, we give you thanks for this city, but also for the entire world which you’ve given to us.

“And as we give you thanks, we ask your blessing to be upon this gathering here tonight,” he continued, praying for Mayor Johnston, the Denver City Council and other city officials present. “We ask your Holy Spirit to bless our mayor, bless our elected officials, bless all in public service, bless all volunteers. Fill them with wisdom and shape their heart after your own: a heart of service and care for your children.”

Turning to the hundreds of citizens, volunteers, organizers and others present in the crowd, Archbishop Golka prayed for a deeper love of neighbor, asking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in and through Denverites’ service.

“We also ask you to bless the rest of us, your citizens. Fill us with grace to be able to try to make our world a little better,” he prayed. “We give you permission to work through us to care for your people here. And in a special way, we hold up tonight all those in need: those in need of love, in need of family, in need of faith, in need of food, in need of shelter from the heat. We just lift them all up to you, Lord.

“And all of us are in need in some way, so send your Spirit to touch our hearts. And again, we give you permission through our service to care for them,” he continued. “We ask you especially to look out for the least, the littlest, the lost, the last, the poor or the immigrant. Surround them with your grace and your care. And we ask all of this in utter confidence and utter humility in your name. Amen.”

Returning to his seat on the dais, Archbishop Golka received a healthy applause as attendees nodded in pleasant surprise, appreciating the prelate’s prayer for the community.

That desire for deeper care for our neighbors ran through Mayor Johnston’s State of the City address, as he highlighted plans to combat the rising cost of living through affordable housing and childcare. The Denver mayor also spoke of plans to bolster public transportation and to invest in parks and public open spaces.