Create in us a clean heart, O God, and put a new and steadfast spirit within us. For You know the human heart––its desires and its demands, its feebleness and its faithlessness––and yet You are quick to show us mercy.
As we approach You on this day, testify to us of Your matchless wisdom, that even in the corners of our soul, in our inmost beings, we would know the conviction and the consolation of Your eternal truth. Restore us to the wholeness that is ours when we entrust everything––heart, mind, and soul––to You.
Grant us the joy of Your salvation and maintain in each of our spirits the willingness to follow Your guidance and to yield to Your correction.
Then open our lips, that the words we speak today will reflect the sincerity of a faith shaped by a humble spirit, that they will proclaim the hope of a faith that depends on Your everlasting promises, and that they will sing the joy of a faith that has received the gift of Your redeeming love.
We stand in the bounty of Your mercy and pray in the power of Your gracious and loving name. Amen.
Psalm 51: 6–13
Acts 15:8
Hence, nearly all vices are rooted in the future. Gratitude looks to the past and love to the present; fear, avarice, lust, and ambition look ahead.
—C.S. Lewis
The Interfaith Staff Prayer Room is open for congressional staff to use for personal prayer and meditation. For questions – email StaffPrayerRoom@mail.house.gov