The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Opening Prayer

04/10/2014
Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, S.J.

Eternal God, we give You thanks for giving us another day.

Send Your spirit upon the Members of this people's House to encourage them in their official tasks. As the Members approach the votes they are making today, may they be imbued with courage and leadership that looks to the health and vibrancy of our great Nation.

Assure them that in the fulfillment of their responsibilities, You provide the grace to enable them to be faithful to their duties and the wisdom to be conscious of their obligations and fulfill them with integrity.

As the Congress looks to the upcoming holy celebrations of millions of Americans, may they, and may we all, be mindful of God's love for us. May we be faithful stewards, not only of Your creation, but also Your desire that all people would be free from whatever inhibits them to be fully alive.

May all that is done this day be for Your greater honor and glory.

Amen.

Thought of the Week

“Psalm 103 (104)
Hymn to God the Creator
Lord, my God, how great you are! Alleluia.
Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord, my God, how great you are!
You are robed in majesty and splendour;
you are wrapped in light as in a cloak.
You stretch out the sky like an awning,
you build your palace upon the waters.
You make the clouds your chariot,
you walk upon the wings of the wind.
You make the breezes your messengers,
you make burning fire your minister.
You set the earth upon its foundation:
from age to age it will stand firm.
Deep oceans covered it like a garment,
and the waters stood high above the mountains;
but you rebuked them and they fled;
at the sound of your thunder they fled in terror.
They rise to the mountains or sink to the valleys,
to the places you have decreed for them.
You have given them a boundary they must not cross;
they will never come back to cover the earth.
You make springs arise to feed the streams,
that flow in the midst of the mountains.
All the beasts of the field will drink from them
and the wild asses will quench their thirst.
Above them will nest the birds of the sky,
from among the branches their voices will sound.”

—

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