The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Opening Prayer

06/03/2004
Rabbi Joui Hessel

Rabbi Joui Hessel, Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington, DC, offered the following prayer:

God of all people, we thank You for all that is good in our world. We acknowledge Your sovereignty and everlasting presence in our lives. Bless us as we commit ourselves to continuing Your work of creation. For our commitment to social justice and peace is our task, and You our guide.

Allow our Nation's leaders and its citizens the opportunity to work together in an effort to create a world filled with righteousness and peace. Bless our magnificent country, that it may always be a stronghold of peace and its advocate among the Nations. May satisfaction reign within its borders, health and happiness within our homes. Strengthen our relationships among the inhabitants of all lands, so that we may work together for peace.

Blessed are You, God, who grants us life, sustains us and enables us to work for a better tomorrow. Amen.