Reverend Cindy Baskin
St. James Episcopal Church
Potomac, MD
Sponsor: Rep. Chris Van Hollen, (D-MD)
Date of Prayer: 03/31/2004
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
(Mr. VAN HOLLEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to welcome here today
[Page: H1744] GPO's PDFReverend Cindy Baskin from my congressional district, and I want to thank her for delivering a beautiful prayer.
Today, March 31, is the last day of Women's History Month; and I think it is especially fitting that we end this month with a prayer from a woman guest chaplain. I also want to note that our House attending physician, Dr. John Eisold, is a member of Reverend Baskin's congregation; and I thank him for suggesting that Reverend Baskin be here this morning for our opening prayer.
Let me read what members of Reverend Baskin's congregation have said about her: ‘‘Cindy serves with strong leadership, inspired vision, and endless energy. She encourages us to use our talents in service to the community, while ministering to the congregation as pastor, priest, and friend.''
I thank Reverend Baskin for inspiring us here this morning through her prayer and inspiring us to serve our Nation, our community, and reach out to others in the world. Thank you, Reverend Baskin for being here this morning and opening the House of Representatives.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty and everliving God:
You are the source of all wisdom and understanding, the source of all justice and righteousness. By Your gracious will, You have instituted governing bodies on Earth and granted them authority to rule.
We therefore beseech You, as this legislative body gathers this day, to guide and direct these elected representatives, enable them to seek first Your honor and glory in all their deliberations. Keep them ever–mindful of their calling to serve this Nation. Guide them in the ways of righteousness, that they may enact such laws for the welfare of our country, as shall please You.
Help each one, as they struggle for justice and truth, to confront one another without hostility or bitterness. Foster among them a spirit of mutual forbearance and respect. Take away any arrogance, anger, or self–interest, which infecting human hearts creates unnecessary divisions. Break down all walls that separate and empower this House to work together through any struggles and confusion so that Your purposes on Earth may be accomplished. Guide, we pray, each of these Representatives to perceive what is right and grant each one both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it.
We now commend this body and this Nation into Your merciful care, O Lord, that being guided by Your providence we may dwell secure in Your peace and live to Your honor and glory. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory