Imam Omar Suleiman
Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
Irving, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, (D-TX)
Date of Prayer: 05/09/2019
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Imam
Sulieman for offering the opening prayer before the House of
Representatives and to recognize the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal. He offers counsel and religious guidance to many Muslims in my district and throughout the north Texas region.
We are fortunate to live in a nation that embraces religious
diversity and interfaith understanding. I am proud to have introduced a resolution to recognize the commencement of Ramadan and to commend the Muslim community in the United States and throughout the world for
their faith.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful; our sustainer, our guide; ever present, never unaware, infinitely able, Your servants in Your loving care; guide us to pure convictions that inspire in us the courage to match those convictions.
We pray for peace, not war; love, not hate; benevolence, not greed; unity, not division. And we commit ourselves to not betraying our prayers with actions that contradict them.
Let us be for truth, no matter who or for is against it; and justice, no matter who or for it is against; and hope, no matter what obstacles
lie ahead.
Let us not be deterred by the hatred that has claimed the lives of innocent worshipers across the world, but emboldened by the love that gathered them together to remember You and gathered us together to remember them.
Let us not be overcome by the darkness of evil nor the slumber of indifference that turns human beings into hashtags and neighbors into enemies. Let us be the light that we seek from You.
Guide the deliberations of our Members of Congress to just decisions,and guide our Nation to the abode of reconciliation. May we honor one another, glorify You together, and inspire the world to be better. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory