Reverend Edward J. Burns
Executive Director, Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Formation at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops,
Washington , DC
Date of Prayer: 04/29/2003
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the father of Jesus and God of us all. We thank You for the many gifts You have given us out of love. We praise You for the wonders of Your works. We now ask that You bless us.
As the Members of the United States House of Representatives reconvene after their holiday recess, we are mindful of Your many gifts of salvation and redemption. We ask now that You bless these men and women. Grant them the strength, grace, perseverance, and wisdom to carry out the task that lies ahead of them. Bless their endeavors and give success to the work of their hands.
Bless our troops who are serving our country; in particular, those men and women who are serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Guide them, protect them, and grant peace and consolation to their families.
We recognize that we do not work alone; but rather, we rely on our brothers and sisters. Bless our constituents and colleagues, our friends and loved ones. May we serve faithfully in bringing forth a Nation that is just, one that keeps faith and hope alive.
We ask this in Your name. Amen.
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