God of all blessings and giver of every good gift, You need nothing from us, yet You desire that, in receiving the bounty of Your grace, we would want to give back to You and to Your creation out of our genuine love and appreciation that we have for You.
In some ways, our gifts seem so small, even inconsequential, when compared to the vastness of Your boundless generosity. Give us confidence that You know our hearts and that You desire that we give from the pureness within us, whatever we have, no matter how insignificant it may feel. May anything we present to You reflect our best selves.
When we use our gifts of time, energy, and talents here in this place, keep us from seeing them as a means to garner Your favor. Break the spirit of competition within us that feeds our pride and causes us to seek the enhancement of our reputation vice the benefit of those around us.
May we set aside our short–sighted ambitions, and instead look for ways to work together to invest all that we value into the advancement of Your eternal kingdom.
Holy Lord, receive these our gifts and use them according to Your will.
We pray because of all that is ours when we do so in Your name. Amen.
Mark 12:42–44
It is not God’s way that great blessings should descend without the sacrifice first of great sufferings. If the truth is to be spread to any wide extent among the people, how can we dream, how can we hope, that trial and trouble shall not accompany its going forth.
—John Henry Cardinal Newman
Join us to pray the Rosary for Congress and the nation – each Friday at 11:30 am in the Interfaith Staff Prayer Room – 467 Cannon – and via Zoom. All are welcome. Rosaries and prayer sheets are provided. For zoom link or more information, contact Karen.Bronson@mail.house.gov Hosted by the Office of the Chaplain
The Interfaith Staff Prayer Room is open for congressional staff to use for personal prayer and meditation. For questions – email StaffPrayerRoom@mail.house.gov