Our Father and our God, we are grateful for this Nation, its vastness, its beauty. Truly, we live in a land of milk and honey. Help us, we pray, to protect and preserve it so that its grandeur and fullness always remains.
We are grateful for our people. A Nation of many cultures, from many different cultures, from many different races, many different religions, help us to love each other.
We are grateful for our history, a rich, gleaming heritage, a heritage born from a spirit to be free; one moment defending freedom, at other times struggling to find it. Forgive us for the times that we have missed the mark.
We are grateful for our leaders. Lord, bless the Members of this Chamber and the leadership of our great Nation. Help these Members own our country's problems and work to find solutions.
Finally, we are grateful for our future. Lord, bless the United States of America to be Your champion of righteousness that, supported by Thy powerful hand, we will establish Thy justice among nations and among men.
Amen.
“Invocation
Fifteenth Observance of September 11, 2001
House Remembrance Ceremony
Fr. Patrick J. Conroy, S.J.
Chaplain, U.S. House of Representatives
God of heaven and earth, we give You thanks for giving us another day.
Today we remember a day begun in terror and violence, and ended in heroic effort and courage. We mourn those whose lives were snatched from them. Give Peace and Healing to those who mourn the loss of their loved ones.
We thank you again for the almost universal, international response to a great American tragedy. All your children of good will could see the horror of actions by men, who would presume to act in Your Name, causing so much death and destruction. May Your Spirit of Peace and Justice continue to fill the hearts of people of all faiths, races, and nations.
Be present with us this day as we gather again on our Capitol’s steps. Bless the men and women who serve this great nation in the House of Representatives. May they be confident in the knowledge that all Americans stand behind them in their common effort to forge legislation that will reflect the resilient greatness of our Nation.
May all that is done this day, and in the many days to come, be for Your greater honor and glory.
AMEN
”
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Open to Congressional Members, Staff and general public.
For more information contact Moon Sulfab
moon_sulfab@mcconnell.senate.gov