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Cleveland • A Mormon lay leader offered the invocation at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, praying not only for America's leaders but also its enemies.

"Please bless all of our leaders father that they may have wisdom and humility as they serve," said Nathan Johnson, the second counselor of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Kirtland Ohio Stake Presidency.

"We ask, Father, that thee will bless our enemies and we pray for those who oppose our ideals and seek to do us harm that their hearts will be softened," Johnson added.

Johnson, an Ohio native who converted to Mormonism in Boston while in college, was one of several faith leaders asked to offer prayers from various religions. The convention schedule includes prayers by representatives of the Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and Christian faiths.

Johnson said he was honored to be asked to give Wednesday's opening prayer and "to share a very important part of who I am."

"It was a great privilege to represent not only Latter-day Saints but also all people of faith in the Cleveland area," he added.