The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Gene Hemrick

Washington Theological Union
Washington, DC

Date of Prayer: 12/23/2009

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

In the Old Testament, the Canticle of the prophet Daniel rings with the exaltation of God's Mother Nature:

Cold and Chill bless the Lord
Ice and Snow bless the Lord
Nights and Days bless the Lord
Light and Darkness bless the Lord
Lightning and Clouds bless the Lord

O Lord, the recent snowstorm in our Nation's capital reminds us of this canticle and of the wise means You employ in maintaining the order and rhythms of nature with which You blessed this world.

Bless this Congress with the heavenly wisdom that is needed to be prudent stewards of Your ecological systems. Endow it with Your divine counsel and understanding as it seeks the most efficient and effective means for preserving their God–given order and balance. Amen.

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