Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Senate – His Grace Bishop David

Almighty God, we thank You for this precious gift You have given to each one of us: the opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters and our beloved country. We realize that authorities that exist are appointed by You.

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We ask, Lord, that You grant us the wisdom, courage, and compassion to serve honorably and to lift our neighbors and to be an instrument of peace in all that we do.

Grant us, Lord, the humility to listen deeply and the strength to act boldly. May our decisions be rooted in justice and our words be filled with kindness, lifting up those who are weary and giving hope to those in despair. As we serve, help us to see beyond ourselves, to seek what is good for all, and to stand steadfast in Your truth and integrity, trusting in Your light to guide our path.

Awaken in each one of us, Lord, a heart after Your own, so that our actions may reflect Your love and mercy and inspire a spirit of unity and sacrifice in every leader, every branch of government, and across our country.

Accept, Lord, our prayers on behalf of ourselves but also on behalf of all of Your people, Lord, who are in need of Your presence in their lives, as we, too, are in need of Your presence in our lives and in our service, so that we may be an example of collaboration and a source of comfort to those who entrusted us with this sacred responsibility. They put their trust in us, and we place our full trust in You, Lord, to guide and support us so that each of us may play a part in securing peace and prosperity for our country with our humble prayers for Your guidance, for Yours is the glory and the power forever. Amen.

House of Representatives – Margaret Grun Kibben

On this day, Lord, hear our voices as we speak from the depths of our hearts our innermost concerns and our deepest fears. Listen to our intent as we speak with our actions our profound desire to get things done and to make things better in our communities and in this country.

God, You are not pleased with wickedness. Forgive us our grievous injury, both unintentional and calculated, to our colleagues and those closest to us. The arrogant cannot stand in Your presence. Help us in the face of all that feeds our pride to humble ourselves before You.

If we have done wrong, we pray Your mercy. For the lies we have told and lived, we pray Your reconciliation. For the deceit we slip into so easily, we pray Your truth will redeem us.

O God, our king and Savior, listen to our words, both spoken and unspoken, and consider our contrite hearts as we lay our requests before You and wait expectantly for You to answer.

In Your merciful name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, November 18, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Magnificent God, great are Your mercies, for You are a God of compassion. All day long, we put our hope in You. Thank You for fueling this hope with Your compassion and unfailing love. Give us the humility to depend on Your guidance as we strive to live for Your glory.

Lord, forgive us for our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Use our lawmakers to accomplish Your purposes as You show them the path they should choose. Remind them that You are a friend to those who choose to do Your will.

We pray in Your marvelous Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Creator God, to whom the Earth belongs and everything in it, in Your time, You founded it on the seas and established it on the waters, and so we ask that You take this day and our lives into Your keeping.

Direct our energies to seek Your will. Instruct our minds to understand Your precepts. Sustain our will and motivation that we would prove faithful in our service to You.

Make this day a day of obedience to You and not to our own desires. May it be a day of spiritual joy as we yield to Your design for peace. Make this day’s work contribute to the work of Your kingdom, that at the day’s end, You would be glorified.

In Your sovereign name, we pray. Amen.

Friday, November 15, 2024

House of Representatives – Pastor Timothy McLaurin

Father, I thank You for these elected officials whom You have allowed to serve in their current capacities. As they gather to serve, I pray, Lord, that You would be in the midst.

Be active in the debates and discussions that shall be a part of their decisionmaking process. Grant these Members wisdom to make decisions that will promote and provide for the welfare of all.

Be active in causing this collection of individuals, with diverse backgrounds and ideologies, to embody a spirit of partnership and solidarity that creates an atmosphere of purposeful productivity that produces a period of prosperity for all.

Be active in this group to help them promote peace and foster unity in this season that is filled with anxiety and that finds our Nation divided. Cause these public servants to be united in their passions, in their pursuits, and in Your providential purposes.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Ever-loving and eternal God, a source of the light that never dims and of the love that never fails, draw near to us today. Lord, we know not what the future holds, but You do. We rejoice that You hear and answer prayers as we watch the unfolding of Your prevailing providence. Lord, continue to be the sustaining presence in all of our tomorrows, bringing us to the destination of Your choosing. Today, use our lawmakers for Your glory. Strengthen them in all goodness that they may experience the joy of your Eternal Presence.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Rise up, O Lord, and show us Your compassion. Reveal Your steadfast love in our lives this day, that our eyes would be opened to Your abiding presence with us and in all that the day sets before us.

Be patient with us if we are slow to acknowledge and appreciate Your guiding hand in our comings and goings. Be tolerant of us and grant us Your wise counsel as we strive to be faithful in confronting the decisions facing us this season.

Don’t abandon us, but in Your mercy wait for us to come to You. Wait for us as we come to realize that nothing we do today is more important than opening our hearts to receive the grace You want to lavish on us.

Nothing is more demanding of us than Your command to share Your love with those around us, that all would know of the justice and peace You desire to grant to Your people.

In Your righteous name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, You have given us the great hope that Your Kingdom shall come on Earth. Use us to make this dream a reality. Help us to trust You without wavering, fervently believing that our times are in Your hands.

Today, empower our lawmakers to be aware of Your unfailing love and to live according to Your truth. May they examine the motives of their hearts as You lead them along the path that will glorify You. Empower them to live with such integrity that they will always stand on solid ground.

Lord, ransom them from all troubles as they put their trust in You.

We pray in Your strong Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Lord, in Your mercy, attend to our country’s deep divide made so painfully evident in these last months, weeks, and days.

Remind us instead that You call us to demolish every argument and every pretension in all aspects of our lives–personal, political, spiritual–that sets itself up against the knowledge of You, O God.

For You alone are wise. Even our best thoughts, desires, and intentions do not come near to Your thoughts, nor capture all that You desire and intend for us as individuals, families, communities, and as a country.

In these days when tempers are short and disappointment is deep, when victory satisfies and boasting comes all too naturally, remind us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to You. Guide our minds and our hearts to Your truth that whatever stand we take today would reflect Your love and Your grace.

In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Almighty God, we have humbled ourselves, prayed, and sought You. We have turned from evil, believing that You have heard and forgiven us and will bring healing to our land. You have spoken, so let Your will be done.

In this season of transition, bless President Joseph Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. Lord, use them to enable our Nation and world to lead peaceful and quiet lives that are godly and dignified in every way.

We pray in Your sovereign Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and eternal God, we come before You, humbled by the mercy You have shown us in these last days and months. From Your throne, You have borne witness to our less than loving behavior, our harsh rhetoric of the election season, and our insatiable desire to ensure that the balance of power tips in our favor.

Remind us again that the mellifluent words, the most convincing arguments are but a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal if they are not grounded in love.

Even if our certitude and sureness, our knowledge and conviction are enough to move mountains, if we do not love both our neighbor and our adversary, all our success amounts to nothing.

Teach us again how to be patient and kind, neither envious nor boastful, arrogant or rude. Wherever we stand, may we not insist things go our way, nor hold a grudge when they don’t.

In Your truth, show us how to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things; and, above all, to strive to be bearers of the greatest of all things: love.

In Your merciful name we pray. Amen.

Friday, November 8, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

For those who have gone down to the sea in ships, who have battled enemies in desert wastelands and darkened forests, who have flown the vast skies above the Earth, for all who have served wearing the clothes of our Nation, we give You thanks.

Many of these cried out to You when they were in trouble, counted the stars in the sky when standing the night watch. Their fingers hovered over triggers praying that no adversary would appear in their scopes.

You, O Lord, delivered them and led them out of peril. You stilled the storms to a whisper, the waves of the sea were hushed. The warfare grew calm, and You guided them to their desired haven. You gathered them from corners of the Earth, from East and West, from North and South. You sent out Your word and healed them.

We give You thanks, O Lord, for Your unfailing love and ask Your continued favor on the veterans who have stood and still stand the watch to preserve our freedoms.

In the strength of Your word we stand in the face of all danger, and in Your eternal name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Sovereign God, You uphold the universe by Your powerful word. Sustain this Nation with Your righteous promises.

Eternal Lord, the times and seasons are subject to Your control. Kings and empires are established and removed at Your direction. Direct this Republic and its leaders on paths of mercy and truth.

In these days of our country’s decisions, give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who yield themselves to Your authority, for You alone rule our days. You alone have established our paths. Into the care of Your righteous right hand, we offer our future.

Silence the debates which have drowned out Your divine assurance that You alone know what we need. Forgive our paralyzing anxiety, our overwhelming uncertainty. Pardon us for failing to heed Your clear reassurance that we need only seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness.

Show us what mercy looks like, that we would share it with one another when the fervor of this contest subsides.

Grant us Your grace in these days and Your peace in the living of them. Amen.

Friday, November 1, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Timothy AR Cole

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we hold up to You all those who serve in this Chamber and who seek the well-being, order, peace, and safety of this Nation. Grant them wisdom in the making of our laws, grace to seek the unity of our people, and the inspiration of Your great spirit to hold the care of the people they serve in all they say and do.

As we approach another election, we pray for all who run and all who vote. We ask that those who will serve in this place be guided by Your justice, Your will for this country, and Your love for all Your children, that for all the differences held here in good faith, this House may be led by the deeper unity of Your purpose for all the people of this land, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and merciful God, grant us the insight to appreciate the persons You have created us to be. Call us to use the talents You have bestowed on us with the confidence You have invested in us.

Impart to us the vision to use those gifts and graces for the betterment not just of our own lives, but for the well-being of those around us, for our communities, and for this country.

Give us also a sense of humility to accept what we cannot do and to admit the limitations of our abilities. Keep us from deceiving ourselves when we are inclined to think we are something that we are not.

Ensure that when we, in our pride, fail to admit that there are others with different and even greater skills and capabilities than our own, that we would be quick to acknowledge and respect how You are working in them.

On this day, we pray for the wisdom to discern how You are at work in our lives, orchestrating the many members of Your creation to bring about Your gracious plan.

For the future You desire for us, we pray in Your holy name. Amen.

Friday, October 25, 2024

House of Representatives – Rev. John Kellogg

Almighty God, You proclaim Your truth through many voices. Watch over and guide our Representatives in Congress, who speak where many listen and write what many read, that they may inspire within the people of our country wise hearts, sound minds, and righteous wills. Amen.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

House of Representatives – Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff

Almighty God, while hostages suffer, we remember Broadway’s “Les Miserables” plea: “God on high, hear my prayer. In my need, You have always been there . . . Bring him”–bring them all–“home.”

Forty-one years ago tomorrow: I saw the Beirut barracks bombing take 241 U.S. military lives. Then another bomb, 58 French.

They came in peace to a war-torn land. Like heroes through the ages: All gave some; some gave all.

In 14 days, we vote for leaders through life’s wilderness of tears and fears: a Nation too divided; a world that is still at war; so many dead that all should suffer sorrow, horror, pain.

Too easy to lose faith in dreams of better times: swords to plowshares. War no more. None shall live in fear. God, bring them– those visions–home. Help us keep our dreams.

And may we say, amen.

Friday, October 18, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Grant us Your grace, O God, this day and relieve us of the burdens we bear, the weight of concern for our country, and the load of worry we carry for our world. Even as we pray these words, our consciences are overwhelmed by the weight of the reports of devastation in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, just to name a few.

Only You can open the way and provide a means for restoration and healing in those regions. Empower and inspire us to bear our responsibility to carry the burdens of those who suffer from these tragedies.

May we serve as Your hands and feet and give what we must and go where You send us to care for Your people. May we serve as agents of Your deliverance and a reassuring presence in support of the efforts of aid workers and caregivers tending to this dire situation.

Dispel the fear and anxiety that get in the way of Your provision, that we and all who are in need would receive the bounty of Your sure and steadfast loving kindness.

In the hope found in Your name do we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Teach us today, O Lord, to live by faith and not by sight. There are so many issues, concerns, and worries that press us from every side. Remind us again that our faith in You will not allow us to be crushed.

Countless unknowns, the uncertainty of our future, our health, our welfare, all cause us to be perplexed. Remind us again that our faith in You will not leave us in despair.

The suffering in our world, in our Nation, in our communities, even in our homes, persecutes our sense of rightness. Remind us again that our faith in You assures us that none of Your children are abandoned, none will be separated from Your love.

When all hope seems lost, when our energies are depleted, when we are struck down with nothing left to pick us up, remind us again that our faith in You will always protect us from being destroyed.

All of what we see around us is temporary. May we fix our eyes on what is unseen: Your eternal and gracious plan for our lives today and always.

In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.

Friday, October 11, 2024

House of Representatives – Dr. Edrees Bridges, Chaplain, United State Capitol Police

O merciful benefactor, omnipotent source that redeems, as we open the Chamber of democracy, fill our hearts with Your presence.

Protect, enlighten, and inspire our congressional leaders as they fulfill their role of representing the people and fostering unity across districts near and far to promote solidarity and progress for all.

Grant them patience when discomfort and uncertainty threaten to cloud their judgment.

Instill in them perseverance and the courage to follow Your guidance, even when it is unpopular or difficult.

O hearer of our call, give them strength as they stand by their convictions while also being curious about the stance of others and open to the views of those whose convictions contrast or differ.

Protect each Member and their staff. Exalt their efforts as they carry out their duties. Protect the men and women of the United States Capitol Police, who safeguard them, and those who visit these sacred grounds.

For You are the exalter, and You are our protector.

We ask this with Your mighty name. Amen.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

As far as the heavens are above the Earth, O Lord, so does Your mercy extend this day to those who fear You, who trust in Your sure provision, who believe in Your loving kindness.

Show then Your grace to those who, in this last year, have endured the depth of fear for their lives and have experienced devastating losses, many too brutal to speak of.

We pray for the people of Israel and Palestine when on a day and a year ago, innocent people fell victim to the hatred that has permeated that region for centuries, the 1,200 killed on that day and the thousands since who have been caught in the crossfire of this complex conflict.

More than ever, we use words like “retaliation” and “retribution.” Come down from Your heavens and grant us the mercy of Your reconciliation. Too easily we speak of escalation and ignore starvation. Lord, let Your condemnation of our hateful or apathetic attitudes call us to account for our own contribution to this vortex of strife.

We say we love You, may we show that love by striving for the right and not rightness, for lives lived in peace forever and not living forever fearful of the imminent possibility of death.

In these times of grief, of sadness, of anger, and of frustration, may Your mercy extend from the heavens to those who love You and yearn for Your deliverance.

In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.

Friday, October 4, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Spirit of the living God, make Your presence known to us this day. For it is Your spirit that guides and directs us throughout the course of our comings and goings. It is Your spirit that counsels and advises us when we are faced with challenges and dilemmas. It is Your spirit that comforts us in the uncertainty and anxieties of our lives.

Knowing that You are in our midst in all that we do and endure, may we reflect Your spirit of gentleness when we encounter those who are, as we often are, ensnared by their own bad decisions, trapped in their own bad attitudes.

Without ourselves falling into our natural inclinations to shun and deride and having been ministered to by the power of Your spirit and our wrongdoing and set right by Your own endless mercy, may we serve as Your agents of grace to those who have strayed from the right.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us, break our willfulness, melt our coldness, mold our kindliness, and fill us with Your peace.

In Your eternal name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and omnipotent Lord, You have promised that in danger and destruction, You will let no harm come to us. You have said that when we pass through the waters, You will be with us, that the rivers shall not sweep over us.

Where, O God, are You in these days of catastrophe following the ravaging floods of Hurricane Helene? Communities all over these United States have watched their homes overtaken, whole towns decimated, and their sense of safety and security eradicated.

Make Yourself known in this tragedy. Remind us again not just of Your abiding presence in our loss, but of Your deliverance in times like these when there is nothing left to save us but our hope in You.

Make a way in the wilderness of grief. Show us Your way through the flood of despair, and clear a path amidst the debris left by the mighty waters of fear and hopelessness.

Then assure our friends, family, and compatriots that You, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, are their rock and salvation.

In Your eternal name we pray. Amen.

Friday, September 27, 2024

House of Representatives – Dr. Darin M. Wood

Most gracious and loving God, as we gather in this solemn space, we pause to thank You for Your kindness, Your mercy, Your blessings, and, most of all, Your wisdom, especially this election season. With humility, we ask for Your wisdom and Your discernment in these proceedings today and every day in this, the people’s House.

We remember our time here is brief. Just like Jesus said in Matthew 6, we are only here for a moment. So like the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin, let us embrace the season You have given us for service to You and the people of this great land. Grant us Your mercy today to remember we are just servants serving You and the people we represent. Allow us to know Your peace in this challenging time.

Finally, we pray for strength. Like Moses or the Apostle Peter, and, most of all, like Jesus, let us be led faithfully by You to lead others.

In Your powerful name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal Lord God, who rules the raging of the sea in a world facing hurt and pain, help us also to see the beauty of Your creative power. Enable the Members of this body to sense the transcendence in the beauty of the Earth and the glory of the skies.

Lord, help our Senators to hear Your music in the symphony of the seasons, in the whispering of the wind, and in the constellations of the night. May the sounds of nature’s music lead our lawmakers to place greater trust in the movement of Your prevailing providence.

Lord, give them spiritual power so that they will do your will on Earth even as it is done in Heaven.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and omnipotent God, though we have never seen You, we know You. We know You for You have shown Yourself in the wondrous things that You have done and the countless gifts of love You reveal to us each day.

You Lord, our God, faithful in keeping Your covenant of love to a thousand generations, to those who love You and keep Your commands.

Remind us in our generation of Your command to be bearers of Your love in our time. For when we love one another, You abide in us, and Your love is revealed through us.

And when love is scary, when there seems to be no reason or return in loving those around us, remind us that there is no fear in love, for Your perfect love casts out fear. Your love will prevail.

Remind us again that we love because You first loved us, with all our faults and flaws, doubts and divisions, and that we are commanded to love even the most aggravating of our brothers and sisters.

How great is Your love, O God our Father, that You have lavished on us that each one of us should be called children of God. Today, may we live believing that we are and that those whom we encounter this day are Your children, too.

In Your gracious name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Senate – Pastor William L. Nash

Our eternal God, as this body assembles for session today, we thank Thee for the blessings of Heaven upon America in its 248th year of our freedom.

Our prayer on this wonderful September day is for the wisdom and anointing of Thy Spirit to descend upon each Senator. May guidance and strength for sound legislation move from each committee room to the floor of this Chamber. May these honorable servants represent the heartbeat of America. After all, they are sent by the people for the betterment of the people.

Forgive us, O God, of our failures; repair our altars. And may this Chamber of Calhoun, Webster, Long, and Goldwater become renewed with the best fruits of labor. Lead the Senators to the mountaintop of victory so that, 100 years from today, we may say: It was good to have been here.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

From the bottom of our hearts, O Lord, we offer our prayers to You. Our whole being, we lay before You, trusting that You will receive us and will receive our prayers in the mercy of Your loving-kindness.

Now, having given ourselves to You, our hopes, our fears, our plans, and our control, we pray that we will have the faith to lean wholly on You and not on our own understanding, that we will believe in Your sovereignty that we don’t feel like we have to figure everything out on our own.

Instead, may we yield our whole selves, submitting both our pride and our will to Your leading. May we loose our grip on the reins and let You direct our paths. In everything we do today and everywhere we go, may we listen for and heed Your voice.

In this may our whole spirit, soul, and body be found blameless in Your sight.

In Your gracious name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, September 23, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Our Father in Heaven, we hide beneath the shadow of Your wings until the danger passes. We cry to You because we have so often received help from Your throne. Thank You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.

Lord, continue to provide for all the needs of our lawmakers, giving them strength for struggles and success, for shadows and sunshine, for valleys and mountain summits. Awaken in them such a fresh appreciation for this great land that they will be prepared to pay the high price for freedom.

Today, give us all a love for right so that we may be instruments for Your glory.

We pray in Your strong Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Dr. Ralph B. Lassiter

God our creator, our sustainer, and our redeemer, we thank You for this day and ask Your blessings upon this, the people’s House, both collectively and individually.

Lord, fill our Representatives with wisdom and courage to perform the difficult tasks entrusted to them. Calm the winds of dissension, empower a spirit of unity, and provide clarity of vision for the future that You desire for this country.

Lord, encourage these men and women through Your Word that tells us that You have “plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.” Therefore, I ask that You touch the heads, the hearts, and the hands of those who lead these United States, so that Your will be done.

Now, Lord, we give all glory, honor, and praise to You because You are able to do infinitely more than we might ask or think. In the mighty and majestic name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, I pray. Amen.

Friday, September 20, 2024

House of Representatives – Dr. John S. Repsold

O Sovereign Lord God, we desperately need You today.

We are deeply grateful for Your vast blessings to us as a people.

But we need You right now more than anything.

Our divided Nation needs You. Please, give us eyes to see Your wisdom. Give us ears to hear Your voice, and hearts that love to obey Your truth. Show us how to build a nation that respects You and Your laws above all, that loves across our vast differences and gives life to all.

We confess today that we are not enough. Only You are. Forgive us for our pride and many sins. Please come to us once again in deep spiritual awakening and revival. Pour out on us an all-consuming love for You that delivers us from every false god. Teach us to love one another sacrificially.

This we humbly plead in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Dear Lord, let this day be marked with resilience and guided by Your righteous hand. When our lawmakers are confronted by obstacles, instill unrelenting resolution inside of them to meet the challenges of the changing world. Today, give them the wisdom to turn from every thought, word, and deed that weakens instead of strengthens.

Lord, help our Senators to hunger and thirst to be people of integrity, striving to honor You with their lives. May this be a day when they serve You with gladness because Your joy has filled their hearts.

Lord, all nations are Yours. Help us to trust You to rule our world. We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Grun Kibben

O bless the Lord, with all our soul. May all that is within us bless Your holy name. May this be a day where we keep our tongues from speaking evil of other people with opposing thoughts.

May this be the day when we do not allow ourselves to speak deceitful words against those who have angered or frustrated us, but let all that is within us bless Your holy name.

May we commit ourselves to turn from evil and do good, even when the wrong seems easier or more expedient. May we dedicate ourselves not just to seek peace but to pursue it.

Let all that is within us bless Your holy name. May we lift up holy hands, faithful hearts, and righteous minds without anger or dissension in prayer to You, not only on this day but in all the days of our service to You and to Your people.

Let all that is within us bless Your name, the name in which we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Senate – Barry C. Black

Eternal God, our shelter from the storms, remind the nations that they are merely human. When they trust in their might and power, help them to remember that they borrow their heartbeats from You. Because of You, they live and move and exist, for You are King of kings and Lord of lords.

Today, we are grateful for the religious, political, and social freedoms that bless our lives. Continue to use our Senators to pay the price to protect our freedom.

Lord, provide our lawmakers with the wisdom to depend on Your strength.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Lord, our Shepherd, we are Your people, the sheep over whom You keep watch. It is You who have made us, and we belong to You.

Such a relationship is at times too intimate to accept. Such dependence on You is often a challenge to our sense of self- sufficiency.

But if we open our eyes to the multitude of blessings You have bestowed on us, if we allow our wills to experience the goodness You desire for us; if we soften our hearts to receive the love You demonstrate to us in countless ways, how can we desire anything but to enter into Your presence with thanksgiving? How can we but seek to live lives that please and praise You? How can we not trust Your faithfulness in these days, when we realize it has been present with us for generations?

May our prayers show our gratitude. May our actions today demonstrate our desire to glorify You. May our thoughts, decisions, and attitudes reveal our faith and trust in You.

In Your eternal mercy we stand and in Your gracious name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, the center of our hope, You have given us this day for our use. From the rising of the Sun until the setting of the same, Your Name deserves our praise. Today, bless our lawmakers with Your guidance and peace. Give them hope and purpose as they work on Capitol Hill, reminding them that their steps are ordered by You and that You will supply their needs. Show them that right defeated is better than triumphant evil. Lord, encourage them to wisely use their time to contribute to peace and harmony in our Nation and world.

We pray in Your sovereign Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal God, every good and perfect gift is from You. 237 years ago, Benjamin Franklin prayed to You, Father of lights, to illuminate our understanding of this mantle that You have placed on the people of the United States. For it is by Your generous hand that this Nation was given freedom and liberty, as well as the noble and weighty responsibility to govern with integrity and honor.

Today, as we celebrate the signing of our Constitution on this day in 1787, we pray that we have stewarded Your gifts faithfully, as our Founders intended. We recommit ourselves to forming a more perfect Union, to establishing justice, to ensuring domestic tranquility, to providing for the common defense, to promoting the general welfare, and to securing the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our prosperity.

More importantly, on this day, we renew our dependence on Your guidance as we do our part to uphold our Republic. In our efforts to preserve this democracy, may we continue to seek Your righteousness and to rely on Your gracious guidance. For in You, God of our past, our present, and our future, there is no shadow or change, no failing of Your compassion.

Great is Your faithfulness now and always. Amen.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Holy God, sustainer of humanity, if it were not for Your love, our burdens would be too heavy and the journey would seem too difficult. But because of Your mercies, we can mount up on wings like eagles.

Draw near to our Senators today. Breathe upon their thinking with Your truth and illuminate their understanding with Your light. May the pressures of the world not intimidate them, but may they receive Your strength so that they can shape our Nation and world according to Your purposes.

Lord, maintain in them the fidelity of those to whom much has been given. May this be for them a productive day because they have placed their trust in Your strong and guiding hands.

We pray in your Sacred Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Merciful God, time and again we ask You to deliver us from evil, not realizing that deliverance does not always mean You offer us an escape, but rather the strength to withstand it and the courage to stand against it.

From whatever form of evil we encounter this day, a biting word, a mean-spirited exchange, attacks on our sense of safety and security, the obfuscation of truth, Lord, deliver us.

Grant us the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to know it when we see it, and the resilience to not let ourselves be overcome by it.

Then inspire in us to strive to best evil with good, to live according to Your abundant mercy, that all that evil dares throw at us would be overcome by Your good and right and perfect will.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Friday, September 13, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Holy God, sustainer of humanity, if it were not for Your love, our burdens would be too heavy and the journey would seem too difficult. But because of Your mercies, we can mount up on wings like eagles.

Draw near to our Senators today. Breathe upon their thinking with Your truth and illuminate their understanding with Your light. May the pressures of the world not intimidate them, but may they receive Your strength so that they can shape our Nation and world according to Your purposes.

Lord, maintain in them the fidelity of those to whom much has been given. May this be for them a productive day because they have placed their trust in Your strong and guiding hands.

We pray in your Sacred Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Merciful God, time and again we ask You to deliver us from evil, not realizing that deliverance does not always mean You offer us an escape, but rather the strength to withstand it and the courage to stand against it.

From whatever form of evil we encounter this day, a biting word, a mean-spirited exchange, attacks on our sense of safety and security, the obfuscation of truth, Lord, deliver us.

Grant us the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to know it when we see it, and the resilience to not let ourselves be overcome by it.

Then inspire in us to strive to best evil with good, to live according to Your abundant mercy, that all that evil dares throw at us would be overcome by Your good and right and perfect will.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, our shelter in life’s storms, Your Kingdom is above all earthly kingdoms. Today, empower the Members of this body with the wisdom, courage, and strength needed for our times. Infuse them with the passion to act in ways that honor Your Name.

Lord, preserve their health and strength by Your mercy and power. May they find Your grace sufficient for every need.

Bless also the citizens of this great land. Give them the wisdom to pray for our government and our leaders, so that all people may live quiet and peaceful lives in all goodness and holiness.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Gracious is the Lord and righteous. Our God is merciful. Lord, You protect the helpless and the destitute. In Your compassion You care for those who are desperately clinging to life.

In all that we face, in all that we will endure this day, make us realize that Your protections, Your provisions are ours. May our souls find rest in our worst fears. May our eyes be dried of their tears of mourning. May our hearts desire to follow where You lead us.

Let us walk in Your presence this day, staying faithful though overwhelmed, hopeful, despite all skepticism and doubt.

All that we do this day we give back to You, grateful for the many blessings You have poured on us. We dedicate this day striving to make good on the promises we have made to You.

In faithful service to You, we pray that You would use us to serve this country and Your people and Your grace plan.

In Your strong name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, our shelter and shield, today we remember 9/11. As we recall the tragedy, infamy, and heroism of that day, we better understand that freedom isn’t free.

We remember how the pain united us so that we knew we were not hyphenated Americans but one people. Infuse us in these challenging times with a similar spirit of oneness, inspiring us to work for the well-being of all people.

Lord, we are grateful for the protection You have provided us for the 23 years since that calamitous day. May we continue to trust You to be our refuge for the future of this land we love. Continue to use our lawmakers as instruments of Your peace.

We pray in Your majestic Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and eternal God, on this 11th of September, we remember a clear blue sky and a nation at peace. As that memory is now shattered by the destruction that followed, we pray the wisdom to claim Your eternal promises in our country’s remembrance of that tragedy.

Like grass are our days, that flourish like flowers in the field. The wind passes over them, and they are gone. And so, in an instant, our country was robbed of its sense of security and bereft of thousands of its citizens, swept away by the winds of war.

We pray that Your steadfast love, O Lord, which is from everlasting to everlasting, to rise from the wreckage of that defining day in history. Bless the sacrifice of too many of our sons and daughters who gave their lives to defend the freedoms assaulted on that bucolic day and the decades that followed. Heal the enduring grief of countless families. Bring peace upon our world which remains in upheaval.

Remind us again of Your compassion for Your children. Freedom, by Your grace, is still to be found in You. Peace and justice, in Your mercy, are ours to preserve and uphold.

Ennoble us as a nation, each children of Your creation, with the assurance that our hope still rests in You alone.

God, bless America and receive our prayers as we offer them in the strength of Your name. Amen.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Almighty God, You are supreme over all the nations. With loyalty and love, You continue to guide us.

As our Senators deal with today’s challenges, unite them in the common task of doing what is best for our Nation and world. May our lawmakers see that they can accomplish far more by finding common ground and working together.

When these servants of freedom are tempted to doubt, steady their faith. When they don’t know what to do, give them the wisdom that can change and shape our times according to Your plan.

Lord, empower them to trust You more fully, to live for You more completely, and to serve You more willingly.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Lisa Wink Schultz

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within us, bless Your holy name. For You alone are holy and all who live and breathe find their purpose in You.

Let the light of Your glory illuminate the paths we take today, that our feet will not go astray from Your purpose. Send Your light into the shadows of our lives, that we would turn from the darkness of our ill intent and choose the righteousness of Your grace plan.

Let the depth of Your mercy seep into our souls, that we would be transformed by Your love. In Your compassion, may we discover who You have called us to be and be inspired to want to live lives in response to Your steadfast loving-kindness.

Let the peace found only in You rule in our hearts and dwell in us richly, that with gratitude we would strive to live in harmony with one another, giving thanks to You in the living of this day, doing so in Your most holy name.

For it is in the strength of Your name we pray. Amen.

Monday, September 9, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal Lord God, the center of our joy. Thank you for a safe return to Capitol Hill and for more opportunities to strengthen our Nation and world. Remind our lawmakers that You continue to stand in the shadows, ensuring the success of Your prevailing providence.

Lord, may these servants of freedom in the upper Chamber of our legislative branch never forget that their times are in Your hands, for You are able to accomplish more than they can ask or imagine.

Permit these thoughts to provide them with peace that the world can neither give or take away.

We pray in Your loving Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

In these days when there is much to be attended to, policies to be written, and elections to be run; when the tasks we have not yet completed vie for attention, in contest with all that must yet be achieved; when each day is a whirlwind of obligations and demands, break into our thoughts and concerns, O Lord, and remind us again how precious is the life You give to each of us.

As we grieve the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Representative Bill Pascrell, may it be his passionate and compassionate commitment to this country and the people he was proud to represent that inspires us to assess our spirit of service.

May it be his wry smile and playfully mischievous nature that reminds us to find reason to enjoy each moment. May it be his tender heart and gracious kindness that call us to love those with whom we labor in these Chambers.

God our creator, like trees planted by streams of water, may we each, like Bill Pascrell, yield fruit in our season. In the days that You give us, may our leaves not wither. In all that we do, may all be done for You. In this may our lives prosper with the certainty of Your favor.

In Your righteous name we pray. Amen.

Friday, September 6, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Gil Stoy

Heavenly Father, help us to be generous today. Give us the desire to greet those we disagree with, to offer a hand to the stranger who needs us, to forgive those who have wronged us, and to be grateful to those who have helped us. Bless the Members of this Congress. May they humbly serve their country well.

Amen.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

House of Representatives – Rabbi Hannah Spiro

Divine judge, source of all life, may this grief we feel, this rage we feel each time a beautiful young soul is taken, serve some purpose.

Not the cruelty of what they went through, not their senseless deaths–for these horrors, there is no possible silver lining.

But may our grief, our rage, our intrusive thoughts get us somewhere that we need to be: to an insistence that the killing ends; to a clarity that peace and justice must go hand in hand.

As it says in Psalm 85: “Loving kindness and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss.”

May every single person on this sacred Earth live to see that day.

And let us say, amen.

Friday, August 30, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend John Kellogg

Loving God, You have made every single one of us in Your image, to serve You in freedom and in peace. Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with Your gracious will. Amen.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Stephanie Vader

God of our open futures, help us to remember that we are all neighbors, far and near, and that loving our neighbors is our duty and joy.

God of our open futures, help us to keep our heart soft by looking deeply at the world and seeing the places of pain and sorrow.

God of our open futures, help us to see where the nudging angels are challenging us to redream and redeem the world, making it a place of compassion and peace.

God of our open futures, help us to know that life is fragile, hearts are easily broken, spirits are easily crushed, so we practice the religion of kindness, and we are swift to forgive one another.

God of our open futures, help us to rejoice that we always stand on holy ground together in our broken and beautiful lives. Amen.

Friday, August 23, 2024

House of Representatives – Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff

Almighty God, August recalls war: guns of August, World War I; atomic bombs of August, World War II; and on this day, 1996, Bin Laden declares war.

Terror, war, still rage. We pray for casualties to cease, hostages set free in a world itself held hostage to hatred, fear, and grief.

But August recalls progress, too. Two anniversaries next week: 19th Amendment, women’s right to vote; human rights becoming legal rights, enshrining liberty in law. And stirring words of Dr. King touched our Nation’s soul: “I have a dream”–that we will be free at last.

75 days until our Nation votes, embracing sometimes hard-won rights, keeping faith with prayers and dreams of better times: That justice rolls like mighty waters, righteousness, a never-ending stream; when freedom rings from every mountainside, and war will be no more.

Then, with new meaning, spirit, united we will proclaim: “My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.” And may we say, amen.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

House of Representatives – Pastor Zack Randles

Gracious and awesome God, we come before You today asking for guidance, peace, and courage. There is so much in the immediate days that we don’t know, and there are so many pieces that are beyond our control. Thank You, God, that in stretches like this, we can turn to You. You are mighty, and You are able to lead us through whatever may come. You are wise and supremely creative to see pathways for deliverance and restoration. May we strive to lean into You this season.

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Please, God, hold us together in our walk with You. Hold us together in our families, and hold us together as a country. You know exactly what is to come. I pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Friday, August 16, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Rachel Landers Vaagenes

Lord, still our hearts and minds from the busyness of the world for just a moment and turn our attention to the eternal and the transcendent.

Holy God, who loves us, Your love is always nearer than we know. We seem to only see weariness and strife with victories hard won and failures too many to number. We thank You for Your grace and forgiveness in the midst of our struggle, and we thank You for sharing Your vision of a world beyond partisan struggle, beyond violence, beyond division.

We pray, Lord, that this vision might be made real here and now: Peace over victory. Forgiveness over pride. Love over all.

I pray for the House Members and their constituents, who work together to be citizens of a better world.

I pray for their staff and families, especially, who support them in this extraordinary responsibility for our country. I pray for all of Congress, the court, and the executive office, that all may see beyond ideology and self-serving ends and work for the common good of the country that is made up of so many different people.

Send us into our work with stilled hearts and clear minds and this vision of love ever before us. Amen.

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

God of peace and reconciliation, we who are quick to receive the nourishment of Your word, to have our thirst slaked by Your loving- kindness, confess to You that the idea of caring for our enemy seems too much.

Our pride, our anger, our hatred, almost always justified in our own minds, stand in the way of our ability to love them.

But open our eyes to their needs. If they are hungry for food or for forgiveness, open our hearts to feed them. If they thirst for respite or respect, help us to find it within ourselves to give them refreshment.

Maybe our generosity will surprise them with Your goodness. Maybe their souls will be ladened with their need for Your mercy.

Would that You use us to be a testimony to Your desire for peace and civility in Your world.

Only by Your grace can we pray and do we this day. Amen.

Friday, August 9, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Wherever we find ourselves today, O Lord, may our attitudes, our beliefs, and all that we do prove faithful to You.

May we know contentedness with whatever situation assails us. May we be unafraid of whatever challenge meets us.

May we be joyful even in the face of our deepest sadness.

May we trust You despite the uncertainty of these days. And may we prove unwavering in meeting our responsibility to live at peace with everyone.

In the name of the one who is the reason for our faith, our hope, and our love, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

God of peace, justice, and mercy, show us how to love as You have loved us. There is no doubt that evil runs rampant in this world, and yet You have never repaid evil for evil. Rather, You have demonstrated unmitigated grace even to those who time and again have rejected Your kindnesses and rebelled against Your steadfast love.

Turn our hearts and souls to Your example. Would that we be so selfless. No matter how challenging it may be in these days of division and contest, no matter how passionate we are for a position or a person, may we be careful to do what is honest and noble in the eyes of everyone.

In this may we not only stay above the fray, but shine the light of Your divine peace, justice, and mercy wherever darkness descends in our lives, wherever hopelessness shadows our world.

In Your righteous and perfect name we pray. Amen.

Friday, August 2, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

We appeal to You this day, O Lord, to open our hearts and souls to You, for You hear the needy and You do not despise Your people in captivity. As You have promised, You bring release to the prisoners. The oppressed You will set free.

With immense gratitude, we praise You for the freedom finally given to Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara- Murza. Having endured prolonged and unjust imprisonment and unimaginable suffering, may they fall into the loving embrace of their loved ones and regain the certainty of their freedom and the fullness of their lives.

Sure of Your provision, we pray for all those who remain enslaved to the contempt of opposing political ideas, imperiled at the hand of unjust rulers, and in fear of the annihilation of whole peoples.

We pray for those who are subjected to these evils, even as we pray for those whose souls are themselves held captive to hate to the extent that they cannot and will not see Your light in their darkness.

May all who remain persecuted and in pain, both the afflicted and the offender, come to know of Your salvation, that they, too, would find freedom in Your mercy.

In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Senate

Almighty God, we give You thanks for this new day and for giving us every good gift we have, including our freedom, our communities, our families, and life itself. We thank You that You have brought these men and women here today to work for the common good of our great Nation.

We pray that You would grant them wisdom to navigate the complex issues they face. We pray that You would grant them patience to understand one another amid their differences. We pray that You would grant them courage; that You would strengthen them to do what is right in Your eyes. May they strive to serve our neighbors who are poor, unemployed, hungry, sick, and lonely.

We pray that You would use them to serve our whole Nation; that our government would lead with virtue; that businesses would thrive; that our schools will be filled with children who love learning; that our legal systems would be just; that our military and law enforcement would keep us safe; that artists and musicians would inspire us with beauty; that our farmers be blessed with abundance; that our land, with all of its natural splendor and wildlife, would be cared for; and that our faith communities would embody grace and mercy; and that our families would be filled with nurture and love.

We humbly ask You for all of these things in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Almighty God, holy, powerful, loving, and good, thank You for expressing Your love to us with generous gifts. You have sustained our families and loved ones and nourished us with the blessings of faithful friends. You also have honored us with the privilege of being called Your children. You have showered our land from Your bounty with freedom, justice, and strength. You have delivered those bruised and battered by life.

Thank You for our lawmakers who work to keep America strong. Lord, use them this day for Your glory.

Lord of hosts, we lift to You this day our gratitude and praise.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

We appeal to You this day, O Lord, to open our hearts and souls to the answer You provide when we wonder how we, with all our differences, personalities, and opinions will ever succeed in living in harmony with one another.

When You speak, may we listen. Time and again, You have said in countless different ways, “Do not be so proud that you fail to see the humanity of those around you, who do not share the same viewpoint. Do not be so caught up in yourselves that you give the impression that some are not worthy of your consideration.”

Pardon us and our arrogance that has kept us from hearing Your counsel. O God, have mercy on us when we think we are better than we are. And humble our spirits to follow You that we would be agents of Your steadfast love.

In light of Your forgiveness, may we renew our efforts to live in peace with one another.

In Your merciful name we pray. Amen.

Monday, July 29, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal Spirit, thank You for the continuous blessings of Your handiwork. From the first blush of dawn to the wonders of the starry heavens, we are daily made aware of Your creative might.

Lord, bless our Senators to see the wonder of Your presence on Capitol Hill. In the hands of the many workers who enable them to do their work, give our lawmakers the wisdom to catch a glimpse of the unity and cooperation You desire for them. Make our legislators willing to both receive and give forgiveness as they manifest Your spirit in deeds of kindness. As our lives intertwine through common task, remind us all that, ultimately, we are accountable to You.

We pray in Your mighty Name. Amen.

Friday, July 26, 2024

House of Representatives – Rev. John Kellogg

Almighty God, we commend to Your gracious care and keeping our Representatives in Congress. Defend them day by day with Your heavenly grace, strengthen them in their trials, give them courage to face the perils which beset them, bestow them with wisdom in their leadership of our country, and grant them a sense of Your abiding presence wherever they may be. Amen.

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

God, our help in ages past, at Your throne, we find our faith and strength. Lord, help us to know ourselves for who we are: people who are totally dependent upon Your mercy and grace.

In this great hour of human destiny, deepen in our Senators a sense of surpassing opportunity to permit You to use them as instruments for Your glory. Lord, fit them to protect our Nation from enemies, foreign and domestic, as You do for us all more than we can ask or imagine.

Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Rabbi Levi Slonim

Master of the universe, in beseeching You for blessings, we act in kindness and charity. Bless these distinguished Members of Congress, chosen by so many, who fulfill one of the seven Noah high commandments You gave unto humanity; namely, to govern by just laws.

In these unprecedented and challenging times for our Nation, we recall the timeless words of my revered leader, global spiritual leader and teacher, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, whose passing 30 years ago we commemorated earlier this month.

He taught: Difference need not lead to division. On the contrary, true unity comes from a synthesis of different, even opposite, thrusts. Differences between people are overshadowed by what is common to all of us. We are God’s creations.

Merciful Father, today we pray for a swift and safe return of the hostages being held in Gaza and an end to all conflict in Israel and throughout the world.

Almighty God, please bless the Congress so that they foster an environment of love and acceptance, a deeper appreciation that within each individual lies untapped potential.

In the words of Maimonides, each person must see themselves as though the entire world were held in balance and with a single deed they can tip the scales, ushering in the era of redemption as proclaimed by Isaiah when nation shall not lift a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Amen.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Our Father in Heaven, author of liberty, who has made and preserved us as a nation, bless today our lawmakers who are called to serve the Republic by bringing order out of chaos, truth out of falsehood, and peace out of strife. May our Senators lift the shield of their integrity against the enemies of justice, freedom, and faith at this time when the world’s hopes depend on character. Lord, guide our legislators with Your providence until this Nation shall gleam undimmed by tears of want, worry, and woe.

Make us all worthy of the sacrifices of those who have given the last, full measure of devotion for freedom.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy Lord, receive us this day before Your throne of mercy, where no one is hidden, and all of us are vulnerable and laid bare before You. To You we must render account.

Whether we offer our prayers for Israel or Gaza, Russia or Ukraine, the other side or our own side, because of our prejudices, wrongs, violence, and disregard for Your precepts of love and concern for even our enemies, we are not worthy to stand in Your presence.

How dare we approach You so boldly in the hope that we would find Your grace in our time of need? All that we have endeavored to do to bring peace into these areas of trauma and conflict, our feeble attempts to mitigate the starvation and suffering have all fallen short.

As mortals, even our best efforts cannot achieve what, at this point, seems impossible. But for You, O God, all things are possible. In You alone can we and do we trust. We appeal this day to Your abounding mercy and steadfast love. Hear our prayers.

In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O Lord of our pilgrim years, this day brings us its concerns and duties. As our Senators serve You and country, make them aware that their attitudes, words, and actions influence the structure of events around our Nation and world.

Lord, help these representatives of freedom to master themselves, that they may be the servants of others. In these times of strain, keep them from magnifying the slights and stings that are a part of the legislative process. Lord, give them pure hearts and a passion to serve the American people with integrity, truth, and honor.

And, Lord, we thank You for the life and legacy of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee.

We pray in Your strong Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, it is times like these when not only does Your presence seem veiled from our eyes, but Your promise of provision feels withheld from us. After moments like those we have experienced in these last couple weeks, when confusion reigned and anxiety has bred contempt, in whom can we trust? There is so much going on that the issues are dizzying. What can we hold on to?

We lift up our eyes to the hills. Where does our help come from? Speak, O Lord, from the mountains, for our help comes only from You. Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth, when all around and beneath us is such shaky ground, do not let our feet stray from following You.

But let us trust in the Lord with unshakeable faith. May we see that just as the mountains surround Your holy city, You surround Your people with protection and purpose.

Let us fear only You, O Lord, believing that in all that we need this day, in all the days ahead, and forever more, we will lack nothing in You.

In Your steadfast and sovereign name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, July 22, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal God, we pray this day that the soul of our colleague and friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, may now rest in peace. In serving You, none of us lives for ourselves, and Congresswoman Jackson Lee has spent her life in relentless pursuit of racial justice and social and economic equity, a champion not just for her constituents but for all those who need a voice for change.

Likewise, in faith, none of us dies for ourselves alone. Though there are many who are now enduring deep grief for her loss, may our deep gratitude for her historic and trailblazing career serve as the seedbed for an enduring legacy of dedicated and impassioned service to this country.

Lord of both the dead and the living, inspire us through Sheila Jackson Lee’s life, fueled by her warrior spirit, that in her death we would be compelled to take up the fight for liberty and justice for all peoples.

Grant Congresswoman Jackson Lee well-deserved rest from her labors. And may Your good and faithful servant receive Your own well done and the gift of Your eternal reward.

In the hope that is found in Your name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, July 18, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Chris Kellerman

Almighty and loving God, we turn our hearts and minds toward You this day and humbly ask You to grant our Nation the gifts of peace and unity.

Root out the violence and hatred from our communities and political life by rooting out the violence and hatred from our hearts.

Help us to see one another not with fear and dehumanizing animosity, but instead with kindness, empathy, and curiosity–a curiosity that, upon encountering someone with whom we disagree, spurs us not to condemn and attack them, but instead to want to learn more about them and why they believe what they do.

Help us to be good to one another, to care for one another, and to love one another so that all hatred and dissension might end.

We entrust all these prayers to You this morning, and we commend all victims of violence and their families to Your infinite mercy and compassion. Amen.

Monday, July 15, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Merciful God, with the images of the near tragedy in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the subsequent melee fresh on our minds, we pray, O Lord, for Your forgiveness for our country as a whole. Pardon us, as well, for how we have played a part in contributing to the intolerant attitudes and rash behavior that has caused the polarization of our communities and the division damaging our Nation.

We pray Your mercy and Your guidance in these days fraught with tension and anxiety. Allow Your wisdom to come into our hearts and into the hearts of our compatriots. Teach us with Your knowledge, a knowledge of decency and grace, that Your will would be the desire of our souls.

Grant us Your discretion, that we would turn from our inclination for bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, and slander, and that we would choose not to let these have a place in our lives. Rather, may understanding be our guard and our respect our guide in these tumultuous times.

Would that we then not just silence the rhetoric but love our enemies. Would that we not just tolerate those with whom we disagree but do good to those who hate us, and would that we not just turn the page on such a horrifying event in our own backyard but pray for those whose cruelty threatens not just us but the ideals of our democracy.

For Your mercy and grace on us and on this Nation, we pray. Amen.

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, the giver of every good and perfect gift, we thank You for the exemplary life and legacy of former Senator James Inhofe. Lord, we praise You for his life, which was like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless day and like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the Earth.

Inspired by the footprints he left on the sands of time, may we seek to see You more clearly, to love You more dearly, and to follow You more nearly day by day.

And, Lord, use our lawmakers this day for Your glory.

We pray in Your loving Name. Amen.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Senate – Pastor Laura Viau

Holy One, Maker of all places and things, You know more than any of us that we humans are but one part of this complex, interconnected creation, and our lives are but a moment in the vast eternity You govern.

As these leaders gather to serve the people today, grant them resolve to lead with humility, courage to speak for the voiceless, and wisdom to see beyond tomorrow.

May justice roll and love abide. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Heavenly Father, we pray Your intervention on behalf of the children of Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and all other places around the world who find themselves caught in the snares of war, trapped in conflict zones, the innocent casualties of our warfare.

God, how is it that the most vulnerable among us have become the targets of indiscriminate yet deliberate bombing? Holy Lord, how has humanity let its sense of justice erode to the point where even children’s hospitals become targets? When did it become commonplace that babies and toddlers are made victims of vengeful kidnapping?

It is clear that Your kingdom alone is the place of safety and spiritual sanctuary for our children. Lord, let Your kingdom come, Your will be done here in this broken world.

Silence our guns and still the weapons which threaten the heritage our children long to receive from our hands.

See that we do not despise any of these little ones but reveal to us the road to peace, that once again we would provide a future for these children that is free from fear, danger, and sadness.

Into the protection of Your everlasting arms we place our children this day. May the strength of Your name be their hope and salvation. Amen.

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Senate

Gracious God, You are known by many names, worshipped in many houses. In You we live, move, and have our being. Strengthen us now in the work that You have allowed us to do, that our country might know Your grace, Your justice, and Your mercy.

Center the concerns of the marginalized, and may the words of the prophet live in our lives: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

Grant that our work might bring good news to the poor and all of God’s children might be blessed.

In the name of the God who loves us into freedom and frees us into loving. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Loving God, like a shepherd, lead us into this day. You have blessed us with the refreshment of mercy and shelter. You have led us to drink freely from the still waters of Your grace. Refresh both our minds and our souls for the work that lies ahead.

Then guide us along the path of righteousness. Though the way is enshrouded with the darkness of these times, remind us that we have no need to fear, for You remain with us. Guide us with Your rod of protection. Comfort us with the strong staff of Your compassion.

Open our eyes to the bounty You set before us, a feast rich with Your abiding presence, anointed with Your wisdom, overflowing with evidence of Your steadfast provision.

Surely, Your goodness and love will remain with us, now and in all the days to come.

May all in this House dwell with You this day. Amen.

Monday, July 8, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Our Father in Heaven, because of the abundance of Your mercies, we thank You for the gift of another day. We don’t pray for tomorrow and its needs, but we do intercede for this day, which now bathes us in its returning light.

Lord, give wisdom and courage to our Senators, as You set Your seal upon their lips. Restrain them from speaking words that needlessly hurt or discourage. As lovers and servants of this land of freedom, make our lawmakers worthy of the past and equal to the present. Mold them to Your purposes. Fashion them with Your powerful hands. Shape them on the anvil of these days of destiny into instruments fit for Your use.

We pray in Your majestic Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, God of now and all eternity, we approach You this day overwhelmed by everything that is far from holy, overtaken by concerns that even just this one day presents.

There is so much confusion and uncertainty. We ask that You would speak Your living and powerful word into our worrisome moments. Divide our troubled souls from our wearied spirits and discern and guide the actions and intentions of our hearts.

The darkness of our lives and the shadows of fear and frustration have descended in our workplaces, our politics, and our homes. Show us we have nothing to fear when we let Your light shine upon our lives, that You alone are our light and salvation.

There is so much that needs to be done, but we are paralyzed in our failures and incapacitated by our inadequacies. Remind us again that Your grace is sufficient for us; Your power is made perfect when we yield our whole selves, flaws and weaknesses, to Your will.

Among the many gods who will pursue or threaten to entrap us this day, there will be none like You. In these moments may we always choose You. May we demonstrate our praise for You, in all that we face today, for You alone are God.

In Your immortal and merciful name we pray. Amen.

Friday, July 5, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Sovereign Lord, as we celebrate 248 years of freedom, we pause in this moment, and pledge every day to place our Nation in Your just and merciful care. As You have blessed our country from its establishment, bless us even now and well into our future. In accordance with Your will, may we steward faithfully this gift of liberty and justice for all.

For in calling us to freedom, You did not intend for us to take advantage of Your beneficence. We were not meant to make independence our excuse for self-indulgence, nor our autonomy the rationale to get what we want.

You have given us our liberty to do what is right. You have allowed us the self-determination to consider how we may best serve the people of this country. You have granted us free volition to use our gifts and graces for the preservation of the ideals on which this Nation was founded.

Holy God, on this first day of the Nation’s 249th year, we pray for Your guidance and continued blessings on these United States as we seek to serve You as You intended from our beginnings.

By the strength found only in Your name do we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Compassionate and loving God, call us to step out of ourselves and see the world that You see. Actually, maybe all that is within Your internal purview may be too much for us to handle. But in this moment in time, pull us out of our limited and inward focus, that we would look at, feel for, and share with others the same compassion and love You offer us when You look upon us.

Then may we truly rejoice with those who rejoice. Because we know what it is like to accomplish a challenge with Your aid, to receive something long desired from Your hands, may we want to share that joy. May we be the kind of people with whom others can feel free to celebrate their delight in life and love.

Likewise, may we never be afraid to come alongside someone in grief, pain, or sadness. There is not one of us who hasn’t experienced loss, rejection, or despair. But because we have found comfort in Your compassion and kindness, may we be willing to mourn with those who mourn and serve as agents of Your love in their moments of sorrow. For in You we have found joy in our grief and hope in our pain.

Send us forth this day to share, then, Your compassion and kindness and love with those around us.

In the embrace of Your grace and by the power of Your name, we pray. Amen.

Friday, June 28, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Brett Jamrog

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Father, You fashioned man and woman in Your own image and likeness so that we could know, love, and serve You. Today, we thank You and praise You for the opportunity to be here as men and women who represent our country. During this meeting, we invoke Your help, God, to help guide our thoughts, words, and actions so that they are in accord with Your providential plan. Grant that all the men and women here, inspired by the gift of faith, will be attentive to the needs of all, so that, sharing their grief and pain, they may constantly devote themselves to the service of all. Make all present here serve our country after the example of Christ, Your Son, so that our country can stand as a living witness to truth and freedom, to peace and justice, that all people may be raised up to a new hope.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday, June 27, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

God, You are the giver of every perfect gift. On this day, we give You thanks for all that You have given us–our lives, our work, our families, our friends, and so much more. All of these we count as joy, for they reveal to us in countless ways Your love and care for us. How do we give back to You, O Lord, for all Your goodness?

Mindful of Your steadfast and loving kindness, may we trust in Your provision when things don’t go our way, when money gets tight, and numbers don’t add up.

Sure of the strength You supply, may we set before You our deepest needs, our overwhelming doubts, and our uncertainty for the way ahead. Remind us that we can do all things because You are the source of our power.

In all circumstances, O Lord, whether we live in plenty or in want, may we know that the secret of our happiness, the reason to be content in all situations, is that You alone are our hope and our salvation.

We pray these things in the strength of Your name. Amen.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal God, in this moment, take us away from the noise and demands of our work just the echoes of which seek to deafen our ears to Your voice. But speak through the clamor and silence all voices but Your own, that we would hear Your enduring Word for this day.

As complex as today’s circumstances may appear, let us pay heed to this simple fact: With You, O Lord, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are as one day. Today, may there fall on us a sense of Your timeless power. Thus, humbled before You, may we become more aware and let go of the fleeting things we seek to control.

Give us a clearer understanding of Your perfect holiness, that our own accomplishments would not serve as the source of our pride or purpose.

Open our eyes to Your infinite and beautiful creation, that we would put our own achievements in perspective, and yield ourselves to Your divine and gracious plan. May all that we strive to do serve to glorify You.

In the wealth of Your everlasting love, may we be content to leave in Your hands the outcome of our best intentions, the resolution to our most complex concerns, and the answer to our deepest desires.

In Your ageless name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Almighty and holy God, You are our God, and we earnestly seek for You.

From deep within our being, there is a longing for You. Like thirst in a dry and tired desert, so we, weary of warfare, overwhelmed by these many days void of peace, long for the renewal that comes only from You. We cry to You from our wilderness of uncertainty and unrest and pray the respite of Your presence.

Breathe again Your spirit into our spirits. Form our minds to seek You. Turn our hearts that we would again love You; that in our disquiet and restlessness, we would once more find our rest in You; in our hunger and hopelessness, we would seek to discover the eternal satisfaction only You can provide.

Place now Your hand on our lives and guide us in this day ahead, so that however we may falter or fail, Your everlasting arms underneath will uphold us in our service to You in this place.

In Your eternal name, we pray. Amen.

Friday, June 21, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, in these days when competition seems to overpower cooperation, when enmity appears to undermine amity, we pray Your forbearance and ask Your forgiveness.

Open our hearts and inspire us to bless those who have taken sides against us. Rather than cursing under our breath those who seem to persecute us at every turn, may we take the better part and pray Your blessing on them.

In this simple action may we see all our moments–the good and the bad, the rewarding and the challenging–as opportunities to be faithful to and glorify You.

As only You can, transform our inclination to take offense into motivation to make amends with those with whom You have called us to live, work, and serve.

To Your unmerited mercy are we all beholden. To Your incomprehensible grace do we cling this day, and in Your loving name we offer ourselves and our prayers. Amen.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Shepherd of souls, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, we seek the completeness that can only be found in You. Lord, lift us above Earth’s strident noises until we hear Your still, small voice in our inmost being. Give the Members of this body the wisdom to permit their deep needs to drive them to You. Provide them with the wisdom to heal divisions, to find common ground, and to transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. May Your presence break down every divisive wall and bring a spirit of unity. Lord, lead our Senators into a future where justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

We pray in Your glorious Name. Amen.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

God of grace and glory, in the darkness of our limited knowledge, we turn to You whose dwelling place is light.

Today, send our lawmakers forth with Your light to do the right as You give them the ability to see it.

Lord, help them to keep their minds on You so that Your peace will provide the foundation for their confidence.

In their dealings with each other, keep them from unkind words and unkind silences. Kindle on the altar of their hearts a devotion to freedom’s cause in all the world, as You bring their thoughts and actions into conformity to Your will.

Lord, lift their hearts in gratitude to You for our heritage in this land of rich resources, high privilege, and durable freedom.

We pray in Your sovereign Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

In a world where faith is under fire, believers of many different faith traditions are suffering persecution because of their beliefs, Lord, open our eyes to their tribulations. We who so easily–perhaps even casually–live our lives in faith, remind us that You have allowed us this freedom with the understanding that we have been given this wealth of privilege that we would share generously of our resources to ensure the welfare of others.

Open then our eyes to seek and serve those who dare to serve You in places where their voices are silenced, their worship is forbidden, their practices ruled illegal. Release them from their captivity and use us to show up, speak out, and step in to protect the religious liberties with which You have so richly endowed us.

In all this may we practice hospitality to each other and to those in need, opening our hearts to all those You call Your own.

In Your merciful name we pray. Amen.

Monday, June 17, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O God, our refuge and strength, whose compassion encompasses humanity and whose mercy never fails, empower our Senators to be partners with You in Your redeeming purposes for this Earth. Remind them that the only greatness they will ever know is linked to Your transforming might. As they strive to please You, make them seekers after peace, justice, and freedom.

Lord, transform this storied Chamber of our legislative branch into a place of vision, a lighthouse of hope, and a source of solace for those battered by the raging floods of human disaster and distress. May the Members of this body become architects of a new order of hope, peace, and justice for the people of our Nation and world.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Our eternal God, we lift grateful hearts for the great heritage of our Nation. Thank You for those who purchased our freedom with blood, toil, and tears.

Lord, give us this day a vivid vision of what You expect our Nation to become as we accept the torches of integrity and faithfulness from those who have gone before us.

Give our lawmakers a reverence for Your Name and a determination to please You with their thoughts, words, and deeds. Enable them to bear with fortitude the fret of care, the sting of criticism, and the drudgery of unapplauded toil. Direct them to the sources of moral energy so that Your strength may be linked to their limitations.

We pray in Your magnificent Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Lord, the God of our ancestors, the eternal one who saw our forebears through times of global unrest and the devastations of war, are You not still the God who is in Heaven? Do You not still rule over all the kingdoms? Are You not sovereign over all the nations?

Power and might are in Your hands, and we call upon Your strength in our day. As nations war against nations and peoples have risen up against peoples, use Your sway to intervene in the conflicts between Israel and Hamas, Ukraine and Russia. Intervene in the disputes where we have resorted to violence in our hatred for each other.

We dare ask that You judge both the righteous and the unrighteous, weigh every deed on Your scale, that justice would prevail. Exact fitting punishment on the evildoers. And may Your mercy be a source of joy to the blameless.

In You alone do we find hope. Only when You intervene and bring an end to our warring madness, as You have done in the past, will we find peace.

O God in Heaven, establish Your rule over all the kingdoms. Reveal again Your sovereignty over all nations. Once more let Your justice roll like a river and Your righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

In the power and might, the justice and mercy, the peace and love found only in Your name do we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Sovereign God, our lawmakers face complex issues that challenge the best of human faults and actions. As You gave insights to King Solomon, impart wisdom to Your servants in the Senate. Lord, help them to believe that You are real and relevant and a ready help for all of their challenges. May they recognize their need for divine intervention and develop the necessary humility to seek it. Shower them with wisdom and strength far beyond their own to face these critical days. In their worries and cares, give them the joy of knowing You are with them.

We pray in Your strong Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal God, our creator, by Your word the heavens were made and the heavenly host was brought forth by the breath of Your mouth. You gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle; the depths of the ocean You have enveloped in Your keeping.

Let all of creation revere You, O Lord. Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of You. For when You spoke it came to be; when You commanded, the Earth stood firm.

Remind us, then, that we are ever embraced by Your sovereign power. It is by Your word that the plans of nations are thwarted. You judge our intentions and confound our schemes.

But Your grace plan stands forever. Your merciful design and the purposes of Your heart are everlasting.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. God bless America this day.

In Your eternal name, we pray. Amen

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Almighty God, Architect and Creator of our destinies, we marvel at Your power, majesty, and might. From the beginning, Your grace has underlain the foundations of our lives, so we ask that You would lead us in the paths of Your purposes.

Today, awaken in our lawmakers the ability to see the opportunities that exist in the challenges they face. May this knowledge motivate them to move forward with faith, optimism, and peace.

Lord, show them unused resources that can be mobilized to solve problems and to make dreams become reality. When they experience doubts and uncertainties, give them the wisdom to ask for Your Guidance.

We pray in Your matchless Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy Lord, in this moment in time, in all times, may we bless You. May our praise for You be continually in our mouths and may all that our souls boast for boast in You, O Lord. May our words magnify You, that all would know of our love for You and would then desire to exalt Your name with us.

We need only remember that when we seek You, You answer us. By Your grace, You deliver us from all our fears. We need only to look to You, and our faces will be radiant with Your light. In light of Your mercy, the darkness of our shame disappears.

Attend to us this day. Encamp Your angels around us. Deliver those who fear You from the snares of those who would do us harm. Save us from every trouble we will face.

Then may we taste and see that You, O Lord, are good. Happy are we when we take refuge in You.

With Your name on our lips, we offer to You our prayers for this day. Amen.

Friday, June 7, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend John Kellogg

Almighty God, send down upon our Representatives in Congress the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose, they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people.

Amen.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Almighty God, our gracious King, as we prepare to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, our eyes turn to You. Lord, our Nation and world are in pain, feeling overwhelmed by the multiple challenges that require Your love, wisdom, and power. We celebrate that You love us so much that You want what is best for us. You are so wise that You know what is best for us, and You are so powerful that You can accomplish what is best for us.

Today, give supernatural wisdom to our national leaders as they seek to do Your will. Guide and direct also the leaders of our world.

And, Lord, we thank You for the marvelous contributions of our spring 2024 Senate page class. As they prepare to graduate on Friday, bless and keep them in all of their tomorrows.

We pray in Your marvelous Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Pastor Travis O’Neal

Dear Heavenly Father, for hundreds of years, You have guided the men and women in this room. For hundreds of years, prayers have been prayed from this pulpit, and You have faithfully and consistently answered many of those prayers.

Today, Father, we humbly come before You and we collectively say thank You. Thank You for those answered prayers, and thank You for Your favor and blessing that has so clearly rested on this great Nation.

I pray that the men and women in this room will tune their hearts and minds toward Heaven. Protect them, Lord, speak to them, encourage them, and give them wisdom in every decision they make. May they always look to You for guidance as they make decisions that impact every American.

I pray for unity today, Lord, both in this room and outside this room, that from every corner of this country, people would unify around the truth of Your Word.

We are a grateful people today, and we continue to declare three words that have been long echoed in this room: God bless America.

In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, teach us how to act with integrity, to permit our thoughts, words, and actions to match what we profess. Lord, examine our motives, and remove even the flaws that are hidden from us, the sins of omission as well as commission. We acknowledge our total dependence on You to keep us faithful, fruitful, and fair.

Remind our lawmakers often of Your unfailing love, as You continue to be their refuge, fortress, and bulwark. May our Senators strive to serve You with reverential awe, finding their safety in trusting You completely.

We pray in Your precious Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, who are we to stand before You? Who among us can appear blameless in Your sight? For there is not one of us who hasn’t fallen short of Your perfect righteousness.

With humility, then, we lay before You our faults and flaws, founded in our human obsession with controversy and verbal dispute, asking that You redeem us from our inclination for dissension and slander.

Instead, may we subject ourselves to Your sovereignty. May we turn to Your truth, shunning all that sows discord and division, and pursue righteousness, godliness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

And when we find ourselves caught up in the throes of confusion and conflict, arouse in us a desire to strive instead to pursue Your divine will. When we are aggravated by the multitude of issues assailing our interests, may the fight we choose to engage in prove to be the good fight of faith.

Together we pray, turning our hearts and minds back to You, that You will receive us into Your merciful presence.

In the truth to be found in Your name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, June 3, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, before You, nations rise and fall. They grow strong or wither by Your design. Help our Nation to embrace righteousness and to strive for unity and renewal. May America set an example of right living that will inspire other nations to follow You. Teach all nations the way of peace so we may plow up battlefields and pound weapons into liberation tools. Teach us to talk across boundaries as brothers and sisters united by Your love.

Today, help our Senators to work with a renewed sense of their accountability to You.

We pray in your sovereign Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal God, from the beginning of time, You have loved us, and it is in Your steadfast love that we find strength, redemption, and meaning. In the beginning of this week, may we give careful and prayerful thought to the purposes for which You have called us, that we would honor this holy calling not appraised to the standards of our work, nor measured by the accomplishments we set out to achieve. Rather, in concert with Your will, may our hearts and minds be in one accord with Your grace plan.

Take, then, our best intentions and shape them to Your purposes. Take our fervent feelings and mold them to Your desires. Take this day and use all that we do to glorify You, that we would honor Your presence among us.

In the hope to be found in Your name, we pray. Amen.

Friday, May 31, 2024

House of Representatives – Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti

Good and gracious God, we trust that You are very, very close to us– visiting us each day in many ways. May we be open to Your coming, welcome You into our lives, and come to know Your profound peace. May this peace spread throughout our lives, throughout this Congress, and may it pour out into our country and eventually spread throughout the world. Our world desperately needs this peace, the peace that only You can give. Visit us today and bring us Your peace. We pray all this in Thy holy name. Amen.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Chris Kellerman

Almighty God and creator of us all, we thank You and praise You this afternoon for the many, many gifts You have bestowed upon us: the gift of life, the gifts of family and friendship, and the gift of the sacred opportunity to serve You.

We ask this day for the gift of peace for our Nation and our world. We ask You to protect our friends and family, to console and strengthen those who suffer, to take away our anxieties, and to fill us once again with the gift of wisdom, so that we might better know Your will and be able to carry it out.

We ask these things with hearts full of gratitude and praise. Amen.

Friday, May 24, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Our hope is in You, O God. You alone are our rock and salvation. Let us then rejoice in our faith in You. May we find the kind of joy that does not come from external influences, but in Your eternal promises.

Regardless of what is happening around us, we pray that we would not be overwhelmed or unsettled, anxious or disquieted. But with the peace we find in You, would that we be patient in our suffering, content in all uncertainty.

As servants of Your grace plan, may we keep ourselves fueled and ready, cheerfully expecting Your answers to our deepest needs.

We will persevere in prayer, praying all the harder in times of stress and hardship. For our hope is in You, O God. In You rests our hope and our salvation.

By the strength You provide, we are bold to present ourselves and our prayers to You this day. Amen.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Senate – Pastor Adam Weber

Gracious Lord, we thank You for this day. Help us to not take this day or any day for granted.

Thank You for the breath in our lungs. Thank You for hearing our voice when we cry out, for hearing our voice when we ask for Your wisdom. Today, I lift up the Senate body to You. Would You fill them with Your love, Your joy, Your peace, Your grace, and Your truth. Fill them with Your wisdom which starts and ends with You, O Lord. Would You guide and lead and direct them. Help their thoughts, their conversations, and their decisions today to be pleasing to You.

I am so grateful that You are all-powerful Lord, and we are mere instruments in Your hands. Today, we dedicate this day, our country, and our lives to You, and we pray this in Your holy and precious Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal God, we pray to You, as we enter this Memorial Day weekend, that You would bless our efforts to honor our fallen heroes. In the fanfare of parades and picnics, barbecues and summer’s beginning, may we take time to recall the countless sacrifices that were made to defend our freedoms and uphold our liberty.

These noble men and women have stood firm. In the face of war’s alarms and up against the anguish of adversity, they would not be moved. May they rest knowing that they gave themselves fully to the work You, O Lord, set before them to accomplish. Grant them peace in knowing that neither their labor nor their sacrifice was in vain.

God of the ages, may we be the guardians and guarantors of their valorous legacy. Guide us in the living of these moments that we would remain true to the ideals they willingly devoted their lives to preserve.

Inspire in us the same depth of commitment to our country, the same fidelity to our fellow Americans, and the same unhesitating character to humble ourselves in service to You and to this Nation.

In Your everlasting name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, this day we give You our lives, for without You, we are like dust in the wind. Shield us from disgrace as You surround us with Your protection, mercy, and love. Remind us that disgrace comes to those who seek to deceive others.

Lord, sustain our lawmakers, show them the right plans, point them to the right path, and lead them to the right destination. Continue to keep them from stumbling or slipping, so that one day they will stand in Your presence with great joy.

We pray in Your sovereign Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Immortal and invisible God, all power belongs to You. Gracious and merciful God, in You is found unfailing love.

With You, O Lord, are not competing natures but the whole of life. In You we discover both tenderness and strength. You love us with a parent’s compassion and guide us with Your firm hand.

In our lives may we learn to strike the balance between patience and persistence. May we show no ill will toward others but have the wherewithal to bear their criticism and their ridicule. And when our anger is justified, may we be just as quick to forgive those who repent of their offenses.

May those who are strong bear the feelings of the weak, and may those who are vulnerable bear witness to the strength of their empathy.

In this body may we acknowledge that we belong to one another and reconcile with those who attempt to dismantle our mutual purpose. In You, may we strive for restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, and live in peace.

God of justice and mercy, abide with us this day. In the power and love of Your eternal name, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name. Today, give special energy, insight, and patience to the Members of this body. Strengthen them against relentless pressures from constituents, lobbyists, and special interests, as You give them wisdom to resolve their differences without rancor or bitterness. Lead them in the way of compromise that doesn’t sacrifice principle or self-respect and that preserves timeless values, which serve the common good. May their consistent communion with You radiate on their faces, be expressed in their character, and be exuded in positive joy.

Lord, fill this Chamber with Your spirit and our Senators with Your strength, courage, and peace. We pray in Your gracious Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, we pause to consider Your gracious invitation to enter into this day, and to live it understanding that we are Your beloved children.

Help us to see that this is not merely an invitation but a privilege, an honor, to discover that this is a day You have made for us to enjoy and employ. For with that privilege comes responsibility, the ability to respond to Your grace by responding with grace as we are able to the needs of others.

As Your children we are favored to have a relationship with You, established in Your righteousness and compassion. From that relationship, may we learn to bring the justice and mercy You have shown us, into all that we do.

Guide us then in the way You would have us go and grant us wisdom and discernment in our work, that the direction we take and the decisions we make would lead us ever closer to the peace and freedom You desire for all Your people.

In the strength of Your word we pray. Amen.

Monday, May 20, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal Savior, we need You every hour of every day. We not only need You during crisis moments but also in the solitary moments of daily living.

Our lawmakers need You. As they open their hearts to You, fill them with power for today’s tasks. Lord, show them Your will for our times and give them the wisdom to say: Speak Lord, for we are listening.

May the inspiration they receive from You keep their hearts pure, their minds clear, their words true, and their deeds compassionate.

And Lord, we pray for the Iranian people, who mourn the death of their President.

We pray in Your loving Name. Amen.

Friday, May 17, 2024

House of Representatives – Pastor Mark Westerfield

Our Father in Heaven, I am humbled to stand before You and these honored and distinguished men and women today, to stand in the gap and offer this prayer.

Today, we gratefully recognize the gift of life, liberty, and responsibility You have given us to lead this great country. On behalf of these men and women, I ask for wisdom, discernment, and unity as they carry the weight of caring for the close to 350 million citizens of this land. They carry the weight of protecting all lives and making sure that justice is paramount.

We stand today on the backs of many that have gone before, and we stand grateful that You have shown grace and mercy to each of us.

Please give each of these servants the skin of a rhino and the heart of a lamb. We humbly ask this in Your holy name. Amen.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Let us pray. Eternal God, who shall abide in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Your holy hills? You have given us the answers. Those who walk upright and work righteousness, who speak the truth in their hearts, will abide in Your presence.

Today, prepare the men and women of this body to dwell with You. Lord, give them the integrity to be true to their duties, always striving to please You. Fix their hearts on You, O God, that everything they think, say, and do will be under Your Lordship. Send Your light and truth into this Chamber as You guide our Senators in these challenging times.

We pray in Your wonderful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Gird us up, O God, for whatever lies ahead of us this day. Equip us for the work You would have us do in the situations we will face.

Do not let us take this preparation lightly, for the battles we fight are more than policies and politics. We do not wrestle just against contrary human opinions and opposing ambitions, but ours is a fight to preserve mutual understanding and respect in a world shrouded in the darkness of prejudice and gripped with hatred.

On each one here, You have placed a mantle of leadership for the living of these days, leadership which calls us to recover our moral bearings and uphold Your righteousness. May we each live up to the responsibilities with which You have entrusted us, responsibilities that compel us to choose what is faithful over what is expedient.

Then open our eyes to see the heavenly host that defends all that we aim to accomplish when we do so in accordance with Your will.

In the strength of Your name, we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal Father, we thank You for another day with its fresh promises, opportunities, and duties. As our bodies are renewed, so give strength to our minds and hearts to glorify You with our lives.

Be near our Senators as they labor. For their added burdens, give them greater strength. For their difficult problems, give them greater wisdom. For their moments of despair, give them greater faith.

Lord, to all who serve in the government, provide a full measure of Your mercy, grace, and might, that all things may be ordered according to Your will.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Almighty God, You are our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. As evidence of Your divine protections, You have set among us brave men and women as Your own shield around us to keep us from all harm. On this National Police Officers Memorial Day, we pray on behalf of these heroes.

Thank You for the humble dedication that our brothers and sisters in blue have demonstrated on patrol, standing watch, guarding our streets, and walking our neighborhoods, safeguarding our communities and our country against all those who would shatter the peace You desire for us.

Remind us, O Lord, that the security they have committed themselves to uphold comes at their own personal cost. Aside from the countless missions that place each law enforcement officer at uncertain and inconceivable risk, these men and women are all too often called to put their service over self and the welfare of others before the preservation of their own life and limb.

As communities across the country honor the line-of-duty deaths they have sustained this year and over time, make it our duty never to take lightly the weight of their faithful and sacrificial service. Speak comfort to the families of the fallen and all who have also paid the untold price for our peace and safety.

Keep watch over the lives of all police officers. As You have promised, watch over their coming and going, now and forevermore.

In the strength of Your name, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Let us pray. Eternal Father, thank You for this day, for a land of spacious skies, bountiful grain, majestic mountains, and fruited plains. We accept this day as a gift from Your bounty, and we will use it for the glory of Your Name.

As our lawmakers strive to do what is best for this great land, lead them with Your might. Guide them by Your higher wisdom and help them know the constancy of Your presence. Lord, give them the greatness of being on Your side and the delight of knowing they are doing Your will. As they seek to be responsive to Your leading, keep our Senators’ hearts riveted on You. Make them stewards of the blessings You daily provide.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, we seek You first this day. Graced with power and privilege, we humble ourselves to be subjects of Your kingdom and agents of Your righteousness.

God, be in our heads and in our understanding, that our knowledge and fear of You would be the beginning of all wisdom.

God, be in our eyes and in our seeing. Let the scales of human judgment and narrow opinion fall away from us, that we would see the world through Your lens of mercy.

God, be in our mouths and in our speaking, that the word You speak would not return to You empty, but in our speech shall what You desire be accomplished.

God, be in our heart and in our thinking, that we would meditate always on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely.

God, be in us this day, and may You be glorified through us.

In Your gracious name we pray. Amen.

Friday, May 10, 2024

House of Representatives – Pastor David Mason

Father, we seek You today in the name of Jesus whom You have given to us as the mediator, that we would experience the truth of Your salvation. We put our trust in You because of Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Therefore, we plead with You to make Your name holy in our Nation and our world. In all matters, we ask You to accomplish Your will in this House of Representatives and among its Members, that by Your authority, You would bring about peace. We beg of You to guard hearts against jealousy and selfish ambition and grant Your impartial wisdom.

Now to You who are able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to You be the glory among the nations and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Gracious Lord, ruler of our lives, help us today to trust You with all our hearts, minds, and strength. Lord, keep us striving to stay within the circle of Your will.

Today, empower the Members of this body to bring deliverance to captives, sight to the morally blind, and healing to those who are bruised by life’s trials and setbacks.

Give our lawmakers the wisdom to follow Your providential leading, even when facing problems that seem too difficult to solve. Lord, help our Senators to be strengthened with Your peace, justice, and purpose as You fill this Chamber with Your presence.

We pray in Your marvelous Name. Amen.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal Lord God, we are reminded of Your mercies that have been of old. You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Because of Your mercies, we are not consumed. Great is Your faithfulness.

Today, guard and guide our Senators. Lord, provide them with a sense of purposeful direction as they strive to unite their best efforts for the health, strength, and safety of this Nation. May they also work for peace and justice in our world. Cleanse anything in our lawmakers that would block the flow of Your blessings and joy. May gratitude to You be the motive for everything they think, say, and do.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

As we face the day that lies ahead, send us out to serve You, dear God. May we be faithful to keep Your commands. May we take time to enjoy the fellowship You provide. May we be eager to be loyal to You and may our deep desire to be worthy of You sustain us when so many other things clamor for our attention.

These are, indeed, challenging times, but we trust that You hold them in Your care. Give us wisdom to appreciate the steadfastness of heart and soul our service to You requires.

In a world where efficiency all too often overrides effectiveness, may our goal be Your intent for our energies. While whole communities are rent by the contest of wills and divided by the race for power, may we live into Your plan which transcends all selfish desire. As we watch as even the slightest disagreement becomes grounds for discord, may we step up and step in to be instruments of the reconciliation You desire for Your creation.

Make us strong and courageous. You have commanded us to serve You and have blessed us with Your trust. We need not fear nor be dismayed, for You, O Lord, are with us this day and in the days ahead.

In Your abiding love we stand, and in Your name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, known to us in countless ways, thank You for answering when we call. Lord, we turn to You that, in Your light, we might see light illuminate the minds of our lawmakers regarding how to solve the difficult problems of our Nation and world.

Lord, enable our Senators to experience the joy and strength that You alone can give. Help them to remember that You have set apart the godly for Yourself, surrounding them with the shield of Your favor.

Lord, give us all the wisdom to trust You with our tomorrows. We pray in Your strong Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Teach us to number our days, O Lord, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. In the narrow boundaries of time, we pray we show our appreciation for the gift that You have given us and would live each day to its fullest.

Let us face what You put before us with the strength You so graciously provide for us.

May our work be effective, not just in accomplishing the goals we set, but in fulfilling the purpose You have bidden us to carry out.

When life is tedious or challenging, may our journey through the uncertainty and around the overwhelming obstacles become an opportunity to be a testimony to Your faithfulness and steadfast love.

As so many approach us with needs and burdens too heavy to carry alone, may we be quick and willing to share the load.

God, only You know what each day will bring us, but in the passing shadow of this day, may the breath of our lives reveal the eternity of Your grace plan.

In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.

Monday, May 6, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Lord of the universe, look down upon Your people and grant us Your peace. From generation to generation, we have found ways to disparage and destroy one another, allowing racism, prejudice, and discrimination to color our judgment and enrage our worst selves.

You have warned us that there will be wars and rumors of wars, nation will rise against nation. Earthquakes, famines, pestilence, and persecution will threaten our freedoms and dismantle our security.

On this day of Holocaust remembrance, remind us that the insidious malice that crept into our culture and led to the horrific deaths of tens of millions, including Jews, Roma, Jehovah’s Witnesses, gays, and the disabled, is an evil that is still at work today, pervading our communities.

The present turmoil reveals a pivotal moment where You call us to bear testimony to our faithfulness to You and to You alone. In the words of Elie Wiesel: “For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.”

Grant us courage, and unite us under the values of dignity, respect, justice, and righteousness that when we reflect on history’s extermination of entire peoples, we would affirm that never again means now.

In the strength of Your name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Holy God, be our rock of protection, for we place our confidence in You. Give the Members of this body the power of Your wisdom. In all their duties, strengthen them to be loyal to You, obedient to Your precepts, and grateful for Your loving providence. Lord, give our Senators faith to believe that You are willing to help them solve the problems they face. Lead them into the paths of loving service as they strive to honor You. Open their eyes to the many things they can accomplish for the glory of Your Name.

And Lord, bring peace wherever there is conflict.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Hear our prayer, O Lord, this day, for we come to You with tired bodies and flagging spirits. Rekindle in us not just the enthusiasm for the living of these days but reawaken our zeal for You. Inspire in us anew the desire to serve You wherever You call us.

These are indeed hard times, no matter where we look. Grant rest to those who have exhausted their physical reserves and provide a renewed purpose to those who have lost their passion to serve. When all hope seems to fail us, may we pray all the harder believing that You will raise us up on the wings of Your promises.

In the strength to be had in You, may we revive our faith, and in the power found in Your name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Gracious God, turn Your ears to listen to us. Without You, we are but disappearing dust. Draw near to us, for in Your presence, we find our dignity and destiny. Lord, breathe into us the saving knowledge that we belong to You. May this awareness inspire us to live for Your glory. Guide our lawmakers. Remind them that they can depend on You for the vindication of every just cause, the forgiveness of every confessed sin, and the protection from every weapon that is formed against them. May they trust You to give them strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

We pray in Your wonderful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and eternal God, on the occasion of the 235th anniversary of the appointment of the first Chaplain to Congress, I offer this prayer in thanksgiving to You and to our country’s forebears who found it both fit and necessary to open each legislative day since 1789 with prayer.

Repeating the sentiments of George Washington in his first address shared with the House of Representatives on that same day, we offer our fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States, a government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes.

While these words may not be our own, like the father of our Nation, we acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts our affairs. We, like President Washington, resort to the benign parent of the human race in humble supplication, since You have been pleased to favor the American people.

Even now, 235 years later, our prayer remains the same. May Your divine blessing be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this government may depend.

Lord, hear our prayers raised up in the past, still true in this present day, and understood to be the foundation for our future. Amen.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, we exalt You, for You continue to rescue us. You have done for our Nation infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Lord, You refuse to permit our enemies to triumph over us. You hear our cries for help, sustaining us with Your might.

Today, continue to use our lawmakers for Your glory. As they become aware of Your presence, may their lives experience the fulfillment and strength that You alone can give.

Help them to remember that You are still their refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble. Send them forth to face this day armed with faith in You.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal God, as we grieve the loss of one of our own, we meditate on Your unfailing name. As we mourn the death of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., we give thanks that forever and ever You are our God, our guide even to the end.

Lead us in these days to give proper accounting to the faithfulness of Your servant. Following in his father’s footsteps, the younger Representative Payne forged his own path, breaking ground on which You established his path of faithful service.

Thank You for raising up this devoted servant from Newark, New Jersey, to serve in the Nation’s Capital, for equipping the Garden State Parkway fare collector to ultimately serve as a tenured Congressman, for adorning him not just with a bow tie, but with a large and generous spirit.

Grant Congressman Payne, Jr., rest from his labors and eternal respite from his earthly journey. May his wife, Beatrice; his children, Donald, Jack, and Yvonne find healing in the solace of Your presence and certainty in Your provision in the outpouring of the love and support of his friends and colleagues.

In You, O Lord, do we each live and move and have our being. And in Your holy name we pray. Amen.

Monday, April 29, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

God, our guide, we look to You and ask for the strength only You can provide. On this day and the week ahead, may we seek Your face always.

We pray that we, individually and corporately, would try hard to live rightly. Together, with pure hearts, may we trust You and walk in faith, love, and peace.

Dissuade us from fruitless and foolish arguments, lest they descend into destructive disputes. As Your servants, may we avoid quarreling and show kindness and patience with each other.

When we know we are right, may we be gentle with those who disagree. When we realize we are wrong, may we, with humility, seek to advance the truth.

It seems so simple to ask, but even our best intentions can get ensnared in our pride and prejudices. Guide us, then, in Your truth through the complex influence of these contentious times.

It is in Your mercy that we dare to pray. Amen.

Friday, April 26, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and sovereign God, on this day when war rages around the world, when college campuses reflect the depth of both the pain and the hatred that fuels these battles, we appeal to You as we seem to have exhausted our own answers.

You alone have the power to erase war and bloodshed from the world. In its place, You have promised a great and glorious peace where nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Neither shall they learn war anymore. We claim these promises.

May all voices pray with those who celebrate the Passover this week, saying: “Blessed are You, O Lord, who provides for all. God, the God of our ancestors, may You remember Your people, to bless us with kindness and mercy, for a life of peace and happiness.”

We pray that the One who establishes peace in Heaven grant us peace, and clear the pathway to peace in the Middle East and among all humanity. Amen.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O Lord, our Redeemer, abide with our Senators through the passing hours of another day. Strengthen them to stand firm for those good and eternal values that keep a nation strong. Lord, give them the courage to do the right even when others are doing wrong. Remind them that You are the pilot of their lives who can guide them to a desired destination. Let discretion preserve them, understanding keep them, and faith fortify them. Lead them not into temptation, but deliver them from the forces of evil. Save them from pride that mistakes their abilities for possessions, and keep them humble enough to see their need of You.

We pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Dr. Barry C. Black

O Holy God, who has taught us to place our confidence in You, give the Members of this body the power of Your wisdom. In all their duties, empower them to be loyal to You and obedient to Your precepts.

Lord, give them faith to believe that You are willing to help them solve the problems they face when they place their total trust in You.

Be their abiding reality and lead them into the paths of loving service as they strive to do Your will.

Lord, open their eyes to the many things they can do to accomplish Your purposes.

And Lord, do for us all infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

We pray in Your powerful name. Amen.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Gracious God, most Holy, the source of our hope, our Senators need Your presence and help for the journey ahead. You have promised that You will never fail or forsake them. So strengthen them to trust You, come what may. Give them patience, faithfulness, and integrity as they wait in faith for the harvest of their stewardship. Allow them to minister to those who daily face the tragedy of war.

Lord, give our lawmakers wisdom, courage, and perseverance to serve their generation in a way that honors You. Give us all such faith that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives with godliness and integrity.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Oh Lord our God, we approach Your throne of grace that we may receive Your help in this time of need. You have laid on each of us a high and daunting calling to serve You and this world with humility and sincerity.

On this day especially, may we bring with us to our decisionmaking not earthly wisdom, but a strength of conscience and integrity of faith so that when this day is done, we may face this Nation, our world, and each other without reproach. More importantly, we pray that, in all that we accomplish this day, we would be found blameless in Your sight.

For it is only by Your grace that we are where we are and who we are. May Your grace toward us not be in vain, but may our efforts today bring faithful testimony to Your grace and work within us.

In the name of the one whose grace is our salvation, we pray. Amen.

Friday, April 19, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal Father, strong to save, let Your still, small voice echo down time’s corridors to renew our lawmakers and to lift their vision of one Nation under God. Inspire them to dedicate themselves to eternal values and to be unafraid of the consequences of following the highest standards. May they run from the success purchased at the cost of cowardice and cunning. Lord, guide them by Your living word, as You infuse them with a spirit of service, of vision, of excellence, and of passion for truth. Help them to see that nothing can separate them from Your love.

And, Lord, we thank You for the exemplary light of Your servant, Joe Lieberman.

We pray in Your holy Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

God, You are rich in mercy, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Would that we, as debtors to Your immeasurable grace, do likewise. With a great love You have loved us. Would that our hearts, as slaves to Your righteousness, be transformed by the immense blessing of Your favor.

Walking in Your spirit, we pray that You would teach us how to be merciful to those who wrong us. Diffuse our tempers that we would be slow to anger. Inspire us with a passion for Your amazing grace plan, that we would be agents of Your steadfast love–in this place, among this body–that our lives would reveal Your kindness, a mercy You desire all to receive.

In the name of the one who is love, we pray. Amen.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, we find our refuge in You. You have been our help in ages past. You have been our shelter from life’s storms, filling our hearts with Your divine peace as You provide us with an inheritance for eternity. You are our hope for the years to come.

Today, use our Senators for Your glory. May they remember that You weigh their motives, direct their steps, and make even their enemies be at peace with them. Lord, permit Your power to work in them to accomplish Your purposes on Earth.

And Lord, as we approach the Passover season, we praise You for Your redemptive power in our world.

We pray in Your strong Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Senior Pastor J. Heinrich Arnold

Lord our God, we lift up thanks and praise to You this day, for the beauty of this Earth, Your creation, for people of all lands and cultures, for our country and Nation, its founding values defending human dignity, liberty, and justice for all.

We pray for all the Members of this House of Representatives and for all who walk and work these storied Chambers, hallways, and offices of our government, all servants of the people, and of You our God.

Grant them wisdom, patience, understanding, determination, and hearts of love and self-sacrifice in order to make good law, uphold the Constitution, and legislate for the flourishing, unity, and strength of our people and country; to lead all nations in efforts of justice, peace, good will, and generosity to neighbors and even enemies.

Forgive us our faults, and heal our fractured world.

This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, the giver of every good and perfect gift, use our lawmakers today to cause justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. May our Senators strive to do what is right, love mercy, and live humbly for Your glory. Guide them to turn their ears to Your wisdom as You illuminate their hearts with Your truth. May they call on You for direction, depend on Your prevailing providence, and defend the truth regardless of the consequences. Grant that their faithfulness to You will be like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, and like the sun gleaming on new grass after the rain.

We pray in Your glorious Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, You call us to hold fast to faith, to trust You, the creator of the universe, to answer our personal needs, even while You attend to the multitude of demands in our communities, our country, and our world. How is it that You can hear us when the whole world cries for deliverance from warfare and famine and disease? May our faith be strong enough to believe that You in Your divine power will replenish us, as well as these deserts of disaster, with Your ocean of grace.

Our despair has names like Israel, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Taiwan. What answers are to be had which will address the injustices, the injuries, the inhumanity that overwhelm these regions? God, give us reason to hope in You, our redeemer, that we would be patient in tribulation and constant in prayer.

Transform our fears, our pains, our worries, and our concerns with Your love, a love greater than all that seeks to defeat or overtake us. For when all our efforts fail, when no solution is in sight, these three remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is the love we receive from You.

In the name of the one who loved us first, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Holy God, who inhabits eternity, lead our lawmakers with Your might. Help them to not run ahead of You or ignore Your wisdom. Restore their spirits with trust and hope, and order their steps toward Your desired destination. Lord, keep them calm in the quiet center of their lives so that they may be serene even in life’s swirling stresses. Fill them with the peace that comes from keeping their focus on You. Help them to listen to others as attentively as they want others to listen to them.

And, Lord, please bring peace to our troubled world.

We pray in Your great Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Almighty God, You foil the plans of nations. You thwart the purpose of people. God, what hope do we who represent this Nation have? Lord, how can we, who work on behalf of the American people, get anything done without You?

When You look down from Your Heavens and see us, when You look from Your dwelling place and observe our lives, we pray You would consider our hearts and shape them according to Your perfect plan.

Blessed is the nation whose God is You, O Lord, for Your plans stand firm forever. The purposes of Your heart will sustain all generations who seek to serve You.

May our hope be ever in Your unfailing love. May all that we do revere You. Deliver us from the famine of our faith and the failure of our flawed designs. For You alone are our help and our shield.

Let Your unfailing love rest upon us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You.

We pray these prayers in Your sovereign name. Amen.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

God of our destinies, guide our Senators this day by Your higher wisdom. Watch over them and use their work for Your glory. Lord, replace fear with faith, pessimism with hope, and error with truth. May these lawmakers become Your instruments for enabling justice to thrive. Give them the serenity to accept what they can’t change, the courage to change what they can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Lord, we also ask You to comfort the many who mourn the loss of loved ones because of the horrors of war.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Immortal and invisible God, we yearn to see You. Open our eyes that we would know how You reveal Yourself to us through the love You have created in us, redeemed in us, and sustain in us this day.

Help us to realize that though we have never seen You, You have taught us that when we love one another, You live in us and Your love is made complete in us. This is knowledge that far exceeds what we can see with our eyes.

So let us look beyond the things we see, look past the differences and the difficulties, and look into the heart of even our adversary.

In them may we see You, then know and rely on the love You so desire to share with us through others. As You have so loved us, may we accept our responsibility to love one another, and may we discover within them the love You reveal to us when we love those around us.

God, You are love. Let us live in that love that Your love would live in us and that we would live in You.

We pray these prayers in Your revealed name. Amen.

Friday, April 12, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Robert Suhr

Holy God, mighty Lord, and gracious Father, You are the sovereign God who is the author of all time. You hold all history in Your righteous and merciful hands. Nations rise and fall by Your will, for Your purposes, and by Your grace.

So in this time and on this day, we humbly call upon You to exercise Your will, to show Your compassion, and to loose Your spirit upon the Members of this sacred body, those near to You and those far from You, that this would not be an ordinary day but an extraordinary day.

Open hearts to hear Your guidance and help their ears to hear the voices of Your will speaking. Let the Members of this House today govern with compassion, understanding, and a determination to accomplish that which is good and pleasing in Your sight and that which is good for the people of this Nation.

Holy spirit, we entrust ourselves to You that at the end of this day we may rest in peace and this great Nation will remain a light that shatters the darkness, a city that brightly shines on a hill, and that all nations may see Your handiwork and the work of this body today.

All this we ask relying on Your grace, and we ask through the power of Jesus’ holy and precious name. Amen.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, our powerful deliverer, we trust in You for protection, for You save us from those who shoot from the shadows. You keep the faithful from vanishing from our planet, providing a refuge for the oppressed and a shelter when gloating evil seems to have the upper hand.

Today, use our lawmakers to help bring unity to a divided Nation and peace to a war-torn world. May our Senators make their positive impact by living blameless lives, speaking the truth, keeping their promises, and honoring You in their thoughts, words, and deeds.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Generous God, from Your bounty, You have graced us with much, with health and prosperity, opportunity and positions of honor. For all the gifts You have given us, we are truly grateful.

Remind us again that, while these gifts come without conditions, that to be given these privileges is to appreciate how they compel us to live into the responsibilities that come with them.

Truly, You have entrusted us with an abundance of riches. It is on us to respond with faithful stewardship of Your generosity.

Call us again to accountability, that we would not take for granted the purpose You intended when You showed us Your favor. Open our eyes to the needs of the people around us who depend on us to exercise our talents and abilities faithfully, to apportion our resources carefully, and to share from our plenitude, acknowledging that all that we have is Yours to use for the benefit of Your kingdom.

Bless, then, our faltering attempts to use wisely all that You have bestowed on us, that what we do this day would reflect our desire to glorify You.

We pray these prayers in Your most holy name. Amen.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal and powerful God, don’t hide from us. Don’t stand so far away, for our Nation and world need You. Lord, bring peace where there is war, hope where there is despair, and faith where there is cynicism.

Arise, mighty God, for we put our trust in You. Today, we trust You to guide our Senators. Lord, warn them through their mistakes, encourage them with their successes, and enrich them through life’s seasons of gladness and sadness. Inspire them to be worthy of the honor of being Your sons and daughters as You give them a renewed sense of Your providential presence.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

God of mercy and compassion, of grace and reconciliation, only You can speak into the crisis that has descended upon the Middle East. Only Your peace can cure the warring madness that has erupted in this land so many call holy.

Let the hatred that has severed the region, intensifying the profound animosity between Israel and Palestine, and in turn swallowing up the cities of Gaza, Tel Aviv, Ramallah, and Ashkelon to name but a few, be supplanted by acts of mercy and overcome by deeds of justice.

Touch the hearts of each offender, that all would be purified of their thirst for vengeance. Speak into the souls of all aggressors, that they would renounce their prejudice.

Abide with the countless victims of violent attacks, with the innocents held hostage in the crossfire of escalating hostilities. Grant comfort and sanctuary to those who have fled their homes in fear. Receive the refugees into the safety of Your welcoming embrace. Make way in the desert that the hungry would receive food.

Let all Christians, Muslims, and Jews put away anger, wrath, malice, and slander. May each find a renewed spirit of forgiveness and understanding in the knowledge that all bear the image of You, our Creator.

For the sake of Your kingdom, may each of us, politician and patriot, voter or victim, be agents of Your purpose, that Your peace and justice would, once again, rule this land.

In the redemption of Your name, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, yesterday, millions witnessed a full solar eclipse. Many resonated with the sentiments of the Psalms that the heavens declare Your glory and the skies show forth Your handiwork. Your hand guides through the boundless skies the flight of water fowl. Let that same hand take us away from the self-sufficiency that ignores our need for You. Lord, make our hearts receptive to Your plans.

Today, bestow upon our lawmakers special gifts of wisdom and understanding that they may uphold what is right and follow what is true. Increase their faith, strengthen their judgment, and quicken their zeal for integrity and honor.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Sovereign God, in these days when skies darken and nations rage, when politics become a weapon and discord takes center stage, we yearn for peace only You can give. Come quickly to our aid, that our hearts would not be troubled, with no more need to be afraid.

God, mend this House divided, for against itself it cannot stand. Grant Your peace upon us. May we live as You command, to look at foe or friend and see in them Your face, to strive to love each other and give to each Your grace.

In Your eternal name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, April 8, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Precious Lord, we praise You with all our hearts because even when wrong seems to rule, you remain sovereign. You are our strength for today and our hope for tomorrow.

As our lawmakers open their hearts to You, may they sense that Your presence is as pervasive in statecraft as in religion. Illuminate their finite minds with Your eternal light, giving them wisdom beyond their own. Lord, remind our Senators that some problems You will not solve until they are ready to be used by You in working out the solutions.

We pray in your awesome Name. Amen.

Friday, April 5, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, Your love reaches deep into our souls and transforms our whole being. Open our hearts to receive Your grace and rejoice in Your mercy. For it is only by Your unconditional acceptance of who we are do we come to appreciate truly whose we are.

We, O Lord, are Yours. You have created us, formed us, and called us by name. In light of Your redemption, may we live lives that reflect the change Your love has had on us.

May we show our devotion to one another, mutual affection for all who receive their breath from You. May we show eagerness in esteeming each other and take deep delight in honoring one another.

And on the days where our intentions are more aspiration than actualization, reach deep again into our souls and remind us of the transformation we have received by Your love.

In Your saving name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Tender and loving God, in Your mercy, You have proven Your love for us. May we respond to that incredible grace gift with our own love, not just in our adoration and devotion to You but in our love for our neighbor.

May that love come from the very center of our being. No matter how hard it is to love a stranger or to reach out and love the other side, grant us both the will and the desire to reveal Your grace by our actions.

Open our minds and our eyes to what is wrong and hateful. If we abhor anything, let it be the evil that has found its way into our discourse and which seems to have taken charge of our lives.

Casting that aside, may we not just appreciate but cling to what is good.

May every fiber of our being yearn for the goodness of Your design. May we hold tightly to the evidence of Your integrity and hold fast to Your perfect righteousness.

We give thanks to You, O Lord, for You are good. Your mercy endures forever, and so it is in Your merciful name we pray. Amen.

Friday, March 29, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverent Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal light, shine in the darkness that seeks to overwhelm us. Shine Your light into our hearts, that we would discover that Your power alone is our strength.

And when we consider ourselves the jars of clay that we truly are, when sorrows threaten to shatter us, fear attempts to overwhelm our faith, illness or injustice tries to injure us beyond repair, show us again the treasure of Your all-surpassing power which You have made available to us.

Holding on to this precious gift, we need not lose heart. Though outwardly, we are painfully aware of the fragility of life, inwardly, You inspire in us the renewal of Your spirit, day by day.

Remind us again to fix our eyes, not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. In the light of Your eternal promises, the troubles we see are temporary.

In this may we find our hope today and always.

In Your sovereign name, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

House of Representatives – Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti

Good and gracious God, we are entering upon a most sacred time of the year. May we contemplate Your word as it speaks to us and follow Your holy will in all that we do. As the season of spring witnesses to Your resurrected life, may we too rise with You to eternal life.

We pray all this in Thy holy name. Amen.

Friday, March 22, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O God, our Father, thank you for filling our lives with blessings. We praise You for the daily miracles of light and shadows, work and rest, life and love. We even thank You for the blessings of disappointments and failures that humble us, and for pain and distress that remind us of our need for You.

Lord, we are grateful for the women and men of the U.S. Senate who strive to keep freedom’s torch burning. Awaken in them a deeper appreciation for Your loving providence, as You give them a heightened sense of the special role You want them to play in the unfolding drama of world history.

And, Lord, we thank You for the life and legacy of Pat Collins, the mother of Senator Susan Collins.

We pray in Your sovereign Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Today, O Lord, in all that we face, in the decisions that are made, whether we turn to the right or to the left, may we listen for Your voice behind us, saying: “This is the way; walk in it.” When we hear Your voice, may we not harden our hearts.

Let every one of us be quick to hear but also slow to speak. More importantly, let us be slow to anger. Remind us that our heated opinions, our rancor, do not produce the righteousness You desire.

Then when the day is over, when we have done our part in our service to Your people, when we have exhausted our energies and left it all on the table, sanctify our labors. We pray Your blessing over all that we have completed and Your intercession in the things we have left undone. Grant us Your mercy in our failures and the fruit of Your perfect will in our achievements.

Lord, keep watch ever over us as we seek to serve You, our communities, and our Nation.

In Your most holy name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Senate – Dr. Adolphus Lacey

Gracious God, we evoke Your Name in this place. We thank You for the life and for giving it to us more abundantly. We thank You for the power and privilege of prayer, and we humbly approach Your throne of grace to thank You and share our petitions.

We offer thanks to those who surrender their lives in service to this great Nation by willingly choosing to represent us. We thank You for their families and friends who loan them to us. May there be no lack in their lives because of their service.

We pray that, at this moment, You will pour out Your spirit of wisdom and compassion on these Senators as they chart the course of this Nation. Embolden them with the burden that they are someone’s last resort and the hope that they can make a difference in someone’s life.

Bless this assembly as they wrestle with how to express Your love for all of us and for this moment. Then, O God, bless all the people of all the States in this land that we love, to emulate and require of our leaders what you require in the words of the Prophet Micah: to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.

In Your Name, we pray. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, break into our lives this day and reveal the wonders that You alone perform. The heavens declare Your glory. The skies proclaim Your handiwork. They have no need for words, yet their praise goes out to the ends of the Earth. Your creation sings of Your greatness.

Ignite in our hearts the love that You impart to each one of us, through friends who love at all times and kin who are born to carry us in adversity. The earnest advice from close companions bears the sweetness of Your counsel. The people You have gathered around us, friends, family, and colleagues, are the reminders of Your loving provision.

Today, then, as we hear the echoes of Your voice around us, may we respond with the praise of creation and the love of neighbor, committing ourselves to careful conversation. Let us convey Your gifts of grace and mercy as we dedicate ourselves to respectful dialogue.

Refresh our souls with Your perfect law. Make the wise simple with the trustworthiness of Your statutes. Give joy to our hearts as we seek Your righteousness and give light to our eyes with the radiance of Your commands.

In Your most holy name, we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O merciful Lord, answer our cry. Enlighten our lawmakers with a shining inward light and remove the shadows from their hearts. Control their thoughts and prepare them to face the inevitable challenges that invade our Nation and world. Give them the peace of knowing that their times are in Your hands and that You are willing to fight the battles of all who trust in the power of Your Name. Fill their hearts with courage, and may they take time throughout the day to remember Your direct involvement in the details of their lives.

Lord, help us all to maintain a pure conscience, a love for truth, and a passion for peace on Earth.

We pray in Your mighty Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Eternal and loving God, in boldness and confidence we find only in faith, we approach Your court of justice, Your throne of power, and Your mercy seat, with worries too deep for words and concerns beyond our control. Our words are insufficient when we try to express our apprehensions for the future of our country. Our prayers are inadequate in meeting the problems faced in our world, in this body, and by our families.

But You in Your infinite wisdom know our thoughts before we speak them and our needs before we utter them. This is the faith we claim today, that though we cannot see the answers, though we cannot possibly discern the future, You, O ruler of the universe, order our steps and guide us in Your abiding and steadfast love.

Grant us this day the power to comprehend what is the breadth and length, height and depth of Your love which surpasses all knowledge.

Now to You, by whom the power at work within us, is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine, to You be the glory today and always.

Hear these our prayers and those unspoken as we offer them in the strength of Your sovereign name. Amen.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Almighty God, the Heavens proclaim Your glory, and the skies display Your craftsmanship. Shine Your light on our path as we work today.

Lord, You have led America through troubled times in the past. Be now for us a source of life, light, and liberty.

Give wisdom to our Senators. May they follow Your light, trust in Your might, and find strength for life’s fights. Teach them what they should think, say, and do, so they will not stumble along the way. Replace doubt with faith, fear with courage, and despair with hope.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

O Righteous One, we pause in stillness before You. We wait patiently for You as this new week begins. For we know You will give us the desires of our heart, speaking to us Your Word of truth.

On our part, may we come to trust You. Then may our trust in You know no boundaries. May no uncertainty, no doubt, no fear, or anxiety serve as barriers for our trust in Your steadfast love for us.

May our faith in You encourage us to walk closer to You, to follow where You lead us, and to go where You call us to go, sure of Your grace plan.

Keep our eyes above the waves that threaten us. Keep our feet on the foundation You have laid beneath us. Keep our will away from the temptations that surround us, and keep our hearts within Your own loving embrace.

Today, on this day, in all we say or do, may we trust in You, O Lord, and do what is good.

Sure of Your omniscience and omnipotence, we are bold to pray. Amen.

Friday, March 15, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Every good and perfect gift comes from You, O God, and in Your eternal plan, which is far wiser than our own, with vision far broader than we can possibly imagine, You have gifted each one of us uniquely, according to Your grace.

To some You have given the ability to speak, to utter Your Word into the noise of this world. May those who have been so graced be faithful to Your message of love and mercy.

Some You have equipped with the ability to help, to serve those in need. May they do so revealing the beneficence that comes from Your spirit.

To others You have granted the ability to teach, to make clear the lessons You would have us learn. May those who teach prove worthy of this noble calling.

There are those who are truly blessed to be able to offer a word of encouragement, to know exactly what to say in a moment of sorrow or stress. Likewise, there are others who have the facility to give to those who are in want. May each do so with the generosity that reflects Your own mercy.

May those You have called to leadership do so with both the purpose and the passion that is grounded in and inspired by their love for You.

All good gifts around us come from Heaven above. We thank You, Lord, for trusting us to use them wisely.

Our prayers are offered in Your name. May You be glorified through them. Amen.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, who sustains those who obey You, You have been good to us beyond our deserving. You have surrounded us with the beauties of the Earth and the glories of the skies. Today, make us alert to Your providential movements. If our minds are closed to Your truth, open them. If our hearts are hardened, soften them. If our ears are deaf to the cries of the oppressed, unstop them.

Lord, revive our Senators. Give them a desire to establish new thresholds of hope, peace, and freedom in our Nation and world. Be near to our lawmakers all their days. May they rest in the green pastures of your peace and thrive beside the still waters of Your wisdom.

We pray in Your mighty Name. Amen.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Almighty God, we appeal to You, the author and defender of our faith, to raise up Your protections in defense of those who call upon Your name in the face of strife and adversity.

Ukrainians, Israelis, Palestinians, and all those who find themselves caught in the grip of violence, speak to them, to the fearful souls among them who are rent by the agony of conflict. Bring Your justice to the victims of unprovoked hostilities.

Strengthen with the sufficiency of Your grace, all those who are powerless against the brutal aggression of their adversaries. In their weakness, may Your power be made perfectly evident in their resilience.

Look to those who are afflicted in every way and see that because of their faith they are not crushed. Guide those who are perplexed that they would not be driven to despair. Safeguard those who are persecuted, that they would know they are not forsaken. Uphold those who are struck down, that their faith would not yield to destruction.

Death is at work in our world. May we not surrender to its desire for dominion, but in braving it, may we come to discover the life You have revealed to us, and the hope that is found only in You.

In Your immortal and eternal name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Senate – Bishop Larry Lawrence Brandon

Almighty and everlasting God, who guides the stars and hold our hearts, I humbly seek Your divine presence as the Senate gathers in solemn duty.

God, guide the Senators of this great Nation, the United States. I pray for Your wisdom to light their path, courage to uphold the truth, and compassion to serve with integrity. May the Senators be stewards of peace, fostering unity where there is division and bringing hope to the places dimmed by despair. Grant our Senators the vision to see beyond the immediate to the future, where justice and liberty flourish for all.

God, bless their deliberations. May their decisions forge a stronger, more inclusive society, where every voice is heard, every life is valued, and every action is measured by its benefit to the common good.

Holy One, help us walk together in peace, live together in justice, and stand together in unity.

God bless America. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Glory belongs to You, O God, who is above all, through all, and in all; whose purpose is at work within us, around us, and beyond us. May we carry with us this day a most real sense of Your power and commit ourselves to Your divine purpose.

God, within us, give us the eyes to see and the heart to feel the movement of Your spirit in our souls. Do not let the noises of this world nor the narrative of this culture confound our ability to hear You speak.

God around us, allow us to look at Your handiwork and see the glory that is Yours alone. Let the Earth shout of Your majesty and the creatures of land and sea display Your splendor. May the beauty of Your creation not be blurred in our haste nor harmed by our waste.

God beyond us, teach us that our best thoughts of You are but a dim and distant shadow of Your true glory. Creator, You are greater than creation. Loving Lord, Your love surpasses all love in our own hearts. May we find strength, comfort, and inspiration in all that You are and hope in all that we do not yet know about You.

For You, O Lord, are able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine. May Your power be at work within us this day, that we glorify You in all that we endeavor to do.

To You be glory and honor, now and forever. Amen.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Let us pray. God of love, whose Spirit is known by those with thankful hearts and who makes cheerfulness a companion of strength, lift our hearts to a joyous confidence in Your care. Lord, give us opportunities to tell of all the marvelous things You have done in our Nation’s history, as we seek to glorify Your Name.

Lord, guide and protect our lawmakers. Teach them to find and trust You as they grow in grace and in a knowledge of Your providential leading. Remind them that when they feel overwhelmed, You stand behind the dim unknown to deliver them from doubt. May they claim Your promise to provide them with mercy and grace to help them in their time of need.

We pray in Your sovereign Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Praise be to You, O God our creator. In all that has been revealed to us, in all that we have received by Your grace, we greatly rejoice.

Though we face a multitude of challenges in our work, in our Nation, and in our own families, yet we rejoice. In the face of trials, troubles that threaten our well-being, our security, our certainty, yet we give thanks.

As gold is proven pure when refined by fire, may our faith, which is so much more valuable than gold, also be proven genuine.

Though we have not seen You, may we demonstrate our love for You, even as we love our neighbor. Though we cannot see You, may we live out our belief in You, even as we approach the labor of this day.

With an unspeakable and wondrous joy for the steadfast, loving care You offer us, we offer ourselves to You.

To You be glory and honor now and forever. Amen.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O Lord, our God, Your majestic Name fills the Earth. Your mighty hand has brought our Nation to this moment in its destiny.

Lead us all to do Your will. Help us to see that You desire us to do justly, love mercy, and to embrace humility. Remind us that You came to our world to empower us to find true freedom through the power of Your truth.

Bless our Senators. May they produce legislation that reflects Your priorities. Lord, help them to see that You are more impressed with how they obey Your precepts than the eloquence of their words. Guide them by Your light so that their lives reflect Your purposes.

We pray in Your matchless Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Sean Raftis

Loving Heavenly Father, we thank You for blessing us with faith, hope, and love.

We are especially thankful for those who defend and protect our Nation and our veterans who are with us and those who gave their lives to deliver us from evil and to protect our priceless freedoms we treasure.

Please guide us so that we can know and live the good, the true, and the beautiful. Please forgive our sins and cleanse us with Your infinite mercy so that we can live virtuous lives. We beg You that You continuously bless this Congress so that we all may work for the common good to deliver life, liberty, and happiness so that we and all citizens can fulfill Psalm 22 to “proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance You have brought.”

May all these noble men and women in Congress who serve here now continue to be blessed with joyful resolve to contribute to the greatest good, You, our Heavenly Father, and may God bless America. Amen.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Senate – Reverend Tony Setley

Creator God, from the beginning, You have brought order from chaos, and in Your wise compassion, You order society by calling people into vocations — masks of God, which through others Your work is done.

We pray Your blessing upon our Senate this day and especially upon the many You have called to live out their vocation within and around this Chamber: for our Senators and their staffs, for civil servants and political appointees, for facility workers and security personnel, for lobbyists and support service workers, for press members, for pages and interns, and for all others. Provide them each daily moments to remember the source and importance of their calling so that they may well and faithfully exercise their vocation, here in this place, for both God and country.

For this, we pray in Your most Holy Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

God of all creation, bend Your ear toward the Earth and hear the cries of Your people imprisoned by their adversaries, stolen from their lives and loved ones, and held captive by hatred.

There are countless men, women, and children across the globe who are victims of heartless cruelty, but on this day, we lift up those who remain held hostage in Gaza after 5 months, especially our own countrymen: Edan Alexander, Itai Chen, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Omer Neutra, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and Keith Siegel.

Ever-present one, we pray the Acheinu with their loved ones and their communities, asking that You have mercy upon them and bring them out of their suffering to relief, from darkness to light, from subjugation to redemption, now, speedily, and soon.

And may the righteous memory of those who have died at the hand of their captors, be a powerful testimony to remember, that in atonement all the ends of the Earth will turn to You, O Lord, and bow before You.

O Lord, be not far from us. You are our strength and the deliverer of all those who endure the interminable wait for the return of these our brothers.

In Your merciful name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Have compassion upon us, O Lord, for we are weak. We continue to depend on You to guide our lawmakers on right paths. Only You know what the future holds and the resources we will need to meet our many challenges. Strengthen our Senators so that, in the face of great challenges, they will be steadfast, abounding in works that honor You.

Lord, give them such confidence in Your providence that no problem will seem insoluble. When anxieties come, remind them that You have not given a spirit of fear but of love, power, and discipline. In all of their work, may their primary motive be to bring glory to Your Name.

Thank You for hearing our cries and answering our prayers.

We pray in Your mighty Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Hear the prayers, O Lord, of those who have seen affliction, the cries of those who find themselves in darkness without any light. For the people of Ukraine, who this very day endure the precariousness of their future, the peril threatening their livelihoods, the poverty of hope, the pain of death.

In all this time under siege, Ukrainian men and women have been a testimony of faith in the face of adversity, trusting in Your protection, certain of Your deliverance.

God, now their souls are bereft of peace. They have lost the memory of happiness.

We lift our prayers on behalf of those who have lost their voice. May our prayers of intercession reach Your ears.

Call again to their minds, that Your steadfast love, O Lord, never ceases. Your mercies will never come to an end. This day, Your mercies are new again, for great is Your faithfulness.

Loving God, be their portion that they would find their hope in You.

In Your merciful name we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Most Holy and gracious God, who turns dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows, satisfy us with Your mercy, grace, and peace, that we may receive Your help for our time of need. Lift the light of Your countenance upon our lawmakers. Calm every troubled thought, and keep their feet on the path of peace. Lord, perfect Your strength in their weakness, and empower them to serve You in a way that honors Your Name. Guide their debates to expose truth, to produce creative compromise, and to bring solutions that will keep America strong. May they use their talents to renew peace in our Nation and world.

We pray in Your magnificent Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Guard both our hearts and our mouths today, O God. Let no thought enter our hearts that may hinder our closeness with You, nor let any word come from our mouths that is not meant for Your hearing. But set a guard over our mouths; keep watch over the door of our lips.

Do not let any unwholesome talk leave our mouths, but only that which is helpful to the value of the institution and the benefit of the people we have been called to serve.

Show us how to speak in such a way that edifies the conversation. Despite our differences, may we vow to benefit those with whom we dialogue.

Inspire us to energize and not jeopardize discussion, to invigorate and not denigrate our interlocutors. May we cultivate dignity and demonstrate respect for all with whom we engage this day.

Encourage us to build one another up, according to their needs, that we may succeed in strengthening the body and repairing the divisions that weaken our purpose to do good works in our service to You and to this country.

O God, our guardian, guide, and stay, abide with us this day, and grant us the blessing of Your divine guidance.

In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.

Friday, March 1, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and omnipotent God, by You all things were created in Heaven and Earth, visible and invisible. All things were created through You and for You. All of us are evidence of Your handiwork.

Open our eyes then to see Your image in the multitude and myriad of people we encounter this day. Though we, too often, come from opposing points of view, hold a variety of contrary opinions, defend antithetical positions, as human beings created by Your divine hand, though we are many and diverse, we are all one body.

Remind us over and again that we belong to each other, like different parts of the whole. We need what the others have in order to represent the one body to which You have called us.

Grant that Your peace would rule in each of our hearts, a peace that has called this body to being. O Lord, hear our thankfulness for the purpose to which You have called us. Praise be to You who are before all things and in whom all things hold together. Amen.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O Lord, our God, wonderful in glory, who keeps Your promises to those who serve You, consecrate with Your presence the path You desire our lawmakers to take.

Lord, kindle in the hearts of our Senators the true love of peace, and guide them with Your wisdom. May the faith they confess with their lips put such courage and hope in their hearts that they may live each day in the spirit of Your love. Cleanse them from every thought displeasing to Your goodness; that with pure hearts, clear minds, and calm hope, they may honor You.

And, Lord, have mercy upon our war-torn world.

We pray in Your powerful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy God, You have set an awareness of eternity in our hearts that we would spend our days longing to be forever united with You. Hear, then our deep desire to appreciate what is beyond our human capacity to understand and to strive to live into Your perfect will. May we grasp that what we experience this day is but a speck in the vastness of Your eternity.

Teach us to number our days that we may live wisely and well. On this extra day, may the added wisdom we gain enrich our hearts and remind us to honor each moment You give us.

Grant us the strength to be careful how we live, not wasting our time on useless work, the barren pursuit of busyness, but may we make the most of every opportunity and the best of this bonus day.

In Your eternal name, we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O God, our rock and redeemer, by Your will we came into being, and at Your command, when the right hour is come, we shall one day leave this world. Do not be silent when we need to hear You speak.

Lord, let Your Spirit lead our Senators. May they increase in self- forgetfulness, in simplicity, in courage, and in trust so that each day they will approach nearer to Your likeness.

Lord, help them to offer themselves afresh to be used in Your service. Show them Your ways, and may they obey Your precepts.

Give wisdom to the perplexed, fresh vigor to the discouraged, and a clearer vision to all who seek Your will.

We pray in Your mighty Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

O sovereign Lord, 2 years into this unrelenting conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we appeal to You to act in condemnation against the unprovoked and the unjustified aggression and the heinous and hateful crimes against the Ukrainian people.

Uphold the cause of justice and defend these men and women who have called to You in their need. For they have been a testimony to faith, waiting patiently for You, fearing not when evil people have succeeded, and never losing heart even as the wicked carry out their schemes.

Protect them from their enemy but preserve them also from themselves, that they would refrain from acting out in anger and responding in wrath. In the horror of this interminable war, prevent them from resorting to vengeance, deliver them from exercising the very evil they are now enduring.

May all who suffer at the hands of such aggressors be assured that You, O Lord, laugh at the wicked for You know their day is coming. Though they draw the sword and bend the bow, You, O righteous one, will cause their weapons to pierce their own hearts. You will cause their strongholds to break.

Make firm the steps of those who delight in You. Though they may stumble, they will not fall, for You, O Lord, will uphold them with Your hand.

In the strength found only in Your name do we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Senate – Dr. Frank Carr

Almighty God, giver of all peace, freedoms, and victories we enjoy in this great Nation we call America, we invite Your Holy Spirit to take control of these Your Senators today, that they will serve the people of this Nation with Your spirit and truth. We pray Your holy hand will keep them forever righteous, humble of heart, unselfish in the governing of this Nation, that their decisions be made with love of this Nation and all the people they oversee and serve.

We pray, Father, they discharge their duties with honor and dignity; that they will always remember the blessings of freedom were purchased at a great cost; that with their loyalty and service to God and country in the spirit of true democracy for our Nation, God will allow America to be that Nation He intended it to be.

And now, unto Him that is able to keep you from falling and present you faultless before the presence of his Holy Spirit, with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Savior, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we lift our hearts to You, invoking Your blessings upon this day. You have made us one in our need of You, one in our yearning for strength beyond the self, and one in our quest for Your peace. Lord, cleanse our hearts and open our minds that Your truth may enter our lives.

Today, give our lawmakers the strength to do Your will. Help them to serve one another so that they may reflect Your spirit and goodness. Make them so aware of Your presence that they will learn Your wisdom.

And, Lord, we thank You for the life and legacy of America’s first President, George Washington.

We pray in Your loving Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Wise creator, You set before us, among us, and around us so many examples within Your divine handiwork that serve to open our minds to understand the meaning and purpose of our uniqueness, as well as the reason and necessity of our unity. We see even in the human body, the many parts that comprise it, each with its own valuable function, yet each in reliance of the whole.

In Your divine design of our very being, You have instilled in us the importance of safeguarding and protecting, respecting, and dignifying each individual element that makes us who we are. May we be faithful to Your intention for our life in community and regard each of the many Members of this body with the same security and protection, respect, and dignity as we regard ourselves.

Likewise, You have revealed to us the obligation each part of the body has to the other for the welfare of the whole. May we be receptive to upholding the intricate balance of Your gracious plan, that we, too, would acknowledge the need we have to work with, even rely on, all others without whom this body would not be complete.

For out of many, we are one, and in oneness, may we glorify You.

In Your holy name we pray. Amen.

Friday, February 23, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Kevin Vandiver

God of infinite love and grace, we pray for Your wisdom, guidance, and strength as we collectively govern this Nation.

Ever remind us of the ways in which the spark of hope comes from the most unlikely of places and circumstances. Remind us of the ways that You are calling us all to participate in what often seems to be fraught times.

Keep us steadfast in the aims to bring this one human family together in peace. Help us to use our power for ultimate good. Guide us in the ways of humble servitude, so that peace, love, and justice may roll from the mountains like rivers.

Give us ears to not only hear but to listen, hearts that not only beat with passion but also with empathy. Surround these, Your servants, with love and resolve for the days ahead.

In the spirit and name of the infinite creator, we pray. Amen.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend John Kellogg

O Lord, our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this Nation to Your merciful care, that being guided by Your providence, we may dwell secure in Your peace. Grant to the Congress of the United States and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do Your will. Fill our Representatives with the love of truth and righteousness and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people. Amen.

Friday, February 16, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Merciful God, we pause in this moment to look inwardly, evaluating both who we are and whose we are. In this time of self-reflection, we pray that we do not see ourselves as better than we really are. Rather, as we reflect on our attitudes and actions and the estimation we have of our own importance, may we do so with humility and wise judgment, free of exaggeration or delusion.

You, O Lord, have made us and we are Yours. We are Your people, the sheep of Your pasture. As we consider this relationship to You, help us first to see the grace You have given us and mercy You have shown us. As far as our faith allows, help us to discover the gifts You have apportioned to us and live into the purpose You have assigned to us.

This and every day, may we commit ourselves to this meditation and self-examination, that we would grow stronger in spirit and more aware of Your steadfast love in our lives.

We pray that we glorify You. In the strength of Your most holy name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

House of Representatives – Pastor Zach Terry

Heavenly Father, as we gather in this Chamber, recognizing You as the only sovereign over these United States, we acknowledge our dependency upon You alone.

May Your holy spirit awaken within our Representatives those timeless truths of scripture, whispered from the lips of their ancestors and thundered from the sacred desk.

Those principles of liberty and justice transcend both time and culture and serve as a beacon amid the stormy seas of governance.

May this Congress embody the most sacred ideals of their constituents and honor the legacy of their honorable predecessors.

The good citizens of this Nation have elected them, but You, O Lord, have appointed them for such a time as this.

May the decisions that they make this day honor the prayer of our Lord, “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”

I ask all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Merciful God, Your Word is rich with promises. You have spoken throughout eternity and reminded us that in You we have all that we require and are in need of nothing. We know in the depths of our heart and soul that not one of Your good promises has failed.

Help us, then, to be patient, to wait on You, O Lord, and trust in Your perfect timing for You are not slow in keeping Your promise, certainly not as we define slowness. Instead, You are patient with us, waiting on us to acknowledge You and trust in Your gracious provisions.

And so this day, we repent of our doubt and receive Your generous gift of space and time, allowing us to discover You and to claim the promise of Your everlasting love.

In Your sovereign name we pray.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Send, O Lord, Your spirit to move among us in this place. Guide us into Your truth, a truth that is not of our authority nor bound by our place in time.

Reveal to us a truth beyond our every memory, greater than our best knowledge, deeper than we can possibly imagine. May our hearts, our heads, and our wills be open to that which is Your truth alone. May we let go of our own designs, loose our certain grip on our desires, and yield to Your righteous plan for us and for all creation

Great Creator, use this day to give us a fresh anointing to serve Your people. Life bestower, give us, in this moment, a new awakening to lay hold of the hope You set before us.

Eternal advocate, equip and empower us with the truth You reveal and uphold us with the strength You supply this day and always.

In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.

Monday, February 12, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O God, our Father, there are no two lawmakers with identical needs. You know their needs. Bless them in a way that will meet their needs.

Lord, strengthen them for life’s challenges, empowering them to endure difficult times, buoyed by faith and confidence in You. Provide them generously with wisdom to solve the problems that beset our Nation and world and to sidestep temptations that dishonor Your Name. Keep them from pride and self-conceit, as they focus on serving You by serving others.

Lord, stay with them until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, the busy work is hushed, the fever of life is over, and their work is done.

We pray in Your sacred Name. Amen.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Almighty God of love, bring unity to Capitol Hill.

Lord, we do not ask for uniformity with its leveling process that reduces everything and everybody to its lowest common denominator. We ask for true unity with its bountiful diversity in which each person finds individual fulfillment in doing Your will.

Lord, give our Senators unity to light the symphony with its variety of instruments, its many different notes which produce grand harmonies. May our lawmakers reduce these melodies on this Super Bowl Sunday by seeking to understand before being understood, to console before being consoled, and to serve before being served.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Our Father in Heaven, we thank You for the security You provide those who trust in You. We believe that You can do more than we can ask or imagine. Throughout our history, You have not failed us, and You continue to provide us with strength for today and bright hopes for tomorrow.

Lord, surround our Senators with Your mercy, peace, and grace as they come confidently to Your throne, using the power of persevering prayer. Give them a faith that will not shrink though pressed by many a foe.

We pray in Your omnipotent Name. Amen.

Friday, February 9, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

O Lord, may our hearts be open to receive Your guidance. Help us to bow to Your will and live lives devoted to Your providential leading.

Bless our Senators. Let faith, hope, and love abound in their lives. Lord, use them to heal our hurting Nation and world and to be forces for harmony, goodness, and peace. May they hunger for Your wisdom and make decisions that will honor You. Open their minds, and give them a vision of the unlimited possibilities available to those who trust You as their guide.

We pray in Your sovereign Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Merciful God, we offer to You this day and our everydays–our ordinary lives of work and play, and the extraordinary moments–the challenging and the rewarding. We place all of this before You as an offering of gratitude for the grace and love You have shown us.

As we proceed into our day, help us not to become fixated on the popular appetite for greed and power, caught up in the widespread inclination toward selfishness and exclusion. Prevent us from becoming so comfortable with this status quo that we would not be compelled to act without thought or consideration for truth and justice.

Instead, may we fix our attention on You. Change us from the inside out that we will be able to discern what it is You desire and that we would be quick to carry it out.

Holy God, bring out the best in us this day as we mature in faith and walk in the way You would have us go.

Upheld by Your righteous name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Our Father in Heaven, thank You for Your sacred precepts that provide us with a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. We are grateful for Your universal truth that appears across the spectrum of religious traditions.

It states:

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Lord, we praise You for that liberating truth and for Your promise that it did set us free.

Give our Senators the wisdom and courage to know and obey Your truth and trust You with the consequences.

We pray in Your mighty Name. Amen.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Our Father in Heaven, restore us to Your favor. You are our rock and salvation, our shelter in life’s storms. Thank You that Your anger is only for a moment, but Your favor continues throughout the days of our lives. Though weeping may endure for a night, because of Your favor, joy comes in the morning.

Lord, surround our lawmakers with the shield of Your divine favor. May no weapon formed against them prosper. Bless them when they are on the road, when they are going to bed, and when they are getting up.

Hasten the day when, because of Your favor, justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

We pray in Your marvelous Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Hear us, O Lord, and answer us. Hear the prayers of the hostages in Israel and the deported children of Ukraine. Answer the cries of parents separated from their little ones and of families grieving the loss of their loved ones.

Hear our prayers, Lord. Listen to our cries for mercy for the countless men and women, wherever they find themselves, who call to You this day in distress. Answer them. For You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.

Turn to Your people throughout the world whose relentless foes attack them from all sides. Condemn the ruthless people whose weapons are torment and injustice, whose only goals are pain and death.

Turn to all those who are broken by misery and overwhelmed by fear wherever they find themselves this day and have mercy on them. Show Your strength on behalf of those who call upon Your name, who cling with faith to the promise of Your salvation.

Give them a sign of Your goodness that their enemies may see it and be put to shame.

In You alone do they find help and hope and comfort. Hear us, O Lord, and answer us, for we pray in Your sovereign name. Amen.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Eternal God, we sing about the glory of Your Name. May we live lives that will tell our Nation and world how glorious You are. Thank You for Your promises, for they refresh us each day. We are grateful for Your promises to supply all our needs, to guard our hearts with Your peace, and to keep us from stumbling or slipping as we strive to walk on the road of integrity.

Bless our Senators. Use them to contribute to the forces for harmony and goodness in our Nation and world. Give them the wisdom to make decisions that will glorify You. May they seek to serve rather than be served, following Your example of humility and sacrifice.

We pray in Your merciful Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

Sovereign God, You have marked out our appointed times in history and provided the time and space for our lives so that we would seek You, reach to You, and find You, for You are never far from us. For in You we live and move and have our being.

So into Your hands we place the U.S. House of Representatives and all who labor therein. From this body there is revealed an intricate tapestry of hopes and fears, possibility and challenge. Into this unique quilt You have woven our talents and treasures, our time and our effort.

We pray then that You would use this sometimes unlikely and unruly montage of Members. Reveal Your mercy in our doubt, and even in the wavering of our faith, reveal Your glory.

In our busyness may we find Your quietness. In our quietness may we receive Your purpose. Let the favor of the Lord be upon us. Establish for us the work of our day, this day and every day.

In the power to be found only in Your name, we pray. Amen.

Monday, Feburary 5, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Lord of all nations, illuminate the hearts of our Senators today. Enable them to shine Your light into our Nation and world, not to glorify themselves but to honor You. Give them the power of ethical fitness that will enable them to reinforce lofty rhetoric with righteous actions. As they face daunting challenges, lift the light of Your countenance upon them. Lord, keep them from growing weary in doing what is right as You remind them of the certainty of a bountiful harvest. Help them to see the great results that come from seeking to do Your will.

We pray in Your mighty Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben

We pray to You, O Lord, to work among and within us as we seek to serve You this day.

Open the closed doors of our hearts and encourage us to unlock all that bars us from discovering and receiving You in our lives and in this place.

Open our ears that we would hear Your voice calling us to serve You unequivocally. You have summoned us to this esteemed court of law that we would uphold Your righteousness and render Your justice.

Open our minds that we would grasp the knowledge and insight You offer us. In the most disagreeable moments, You challenge us not only to be tolerant of others, but to be open to the truths You teach us through these encounters.

Open our eyes that we will see the wonder of Your love, the spiritual beauty that resides in the souls of those whom and with whom we serve. In them, may we bear witness to Your everlasting faithfulness to all people and Your eternal presence among even the least of these.

Then open our hands that we may share the richness of the blessings You have bestowed on us. Deliver us from all selfishness and purge us from the meanness within us that desperately clings to Your grace gifts without regard for Your counsel that we have been so blessed so as to be a blessing.

All that we are and all that we have is Yours, O Lord. This day, help us to be faithful stewards of Your generous grace.

In your merciful name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Senate – Dr. Barry C. Black

Listen to our prayer, dear Lord, for You are our mighty fortress. When we feel overwhelmed, we place our hope in You. When we feel doubt, You fill us with Your faith. When we feel afraid, You continue to be our light and salvation. Thank You for keeping us safe.

Lord, guide our lawmakers. May they give You their burdens as they seek to do Your will and live for Your glory. Use them to help heal our hurting nation and world. Let faith, hope, and love abound in their lives.

We pray in Your loving Name. Amen.

House of Representatives – Dr. Michael Cramer

Holy, Heavenly Father, creator and sustainer of this universe, You have given us the greatest Nation in the world to care for as stewards of Your people, Your resources, and Your land. Forgive us of our shortcomings.

You have assembled these specific Representatives here today to fulfill a precise purpose in Your sovereign, eternal plan.

You tell us that blessed is the Nation whose God is You. You tell us You give wisdom freely to all who ask.

So we call on You today for Your wisdom in the matters to be discussed and determined. We look to You today for unity. We draw on Your strength. We ask for Your grace and mercy to accomplish all things in a manner that is pleasing to You.

We yield all things to Your complete and sovereign will and pray this in the name of Your eternal Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

(Prayers from the Senate and the House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Canva)