The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Emmett J. Gavin

Whitefriars Hall
Washington, DC

Date of Prayer: 05/07/2002

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Gracious and loving God, as the world around is blossoming with new life, grant the fullness of life, hope and prosperity to all Your children throughout this troubled world. As we gather here at the seat of government of this great and blessed Nation, we are all too mindful that our world is gripped with conflict and division. We pray for peace and an end to hatred and discord in all corners of our world. Let all Your children come to know, accept and celebrate that You are a God of inclusion and compassion and acceptance. And knowing and rejoicing in that blessed assurance, let all peoples join together in a sacred commitment to peace and unity throughout our world.

We particularly pray this day for a decisive and definitive end to terrorism in all its hateful forms throughout the length and breadth of the family of nations. Transfer all Your people into agents of reconciliation and healing and help us to have the courage to use the great blessings we enjoy as a Nation to be the leaders in bringing about a more just and equitable world.

In this month of May , when we will, as a Nation, remember with gratitude and pride the men and women of our Armed Forces who have laid down their lives in defense of freedom, we pray in a special way for the safety of our military personnel throughout the world who are striving to bring an end to terrorism and injustice. We beseech You Almighty and loving God to bring them all home safely.

We thank and bless You, Lord, confident that You will hear and answer our prayers. Amen.


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