Opening Prayer
01/05/2011
Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful believers.
Enkindle within them the fire of Divine Love;
that they may be truly open to respond to Your Word and the needs of Your people.
Lord, send forth Your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.
May the Spirit of the Living God descend upon this Chamber;
that from here may come forth good news for the poor and healing for the broken–hearted of this nation.
Let there go forth a proclamation to the people that captivity is ended. And the action of true politics will set this nation free.
By setting single–minded self interest aside in the search for the common good, may a just society flourish with the gifts of Your Spirit and be recognized in equal justice, unity and peace.
Lord, may this 112th Congress of the United States of America be an instrument of Your goodness with abiding laws and embrace clarity in policy statements; reaching beyond institutional thinking and public opinion polls. May every human life of this country be renewed with dignity and purpose so we may truly glory in the name of the free children of God made in Your image and conformed to Your saving grace, both now and forever. Amen