The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend W. Douglas Tanner, Jr.

Faith and Politics Institute
Washington, DC

Date of Prayer: 07/16/2002

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty God, as Members of this House gather on this midsummer's day to be about the business of this Nation and its people, we pray that the conduct of that business may be transformed to Your will in both means and ends.

Deliver us from temptations toward shallow, pious posturing, and grant us genuine insight into the spiritual dimensions of truly good government and wisdom in its pursuit. Call forth both courage and compassion in the consideration of substance, in the making of speeches, and in the casting of votes.

In the rough and tumble world of national politics and the sometimes morally murky world of calculating strategies and cutting deals, awaken in each of us our true potential as instruments of Your peace. Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory