The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Alisa Lasater Wailoo

Capitol Hill United Methodist Church
Was, DC

Date of Prayer: 08/11/2017

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

God of power and peace, we pause before this pro forma session to remember all who form this great body called Congress.

We give You thanks today for each Member, their families and loved ones, for Member staffs, committee staffs, House officers and their
staffs, all the support staff, security and custodial teams, interns, fellows, vendors, and contractors.

Lord, thank You, thank You for all who work tirelessly in this place.

Today, we also confess that despite our efforts, and sometimes even because of them, violence and division wreak havoc in us and our world.

This week, we are especially aware, Lord, of the devastation humans have the power to unleash on one another.

God of Shalom, forgive us. Remind us that You give a far greater power: peace.

Give us today the courage to face our fears, self–honesty to recognize our role in any dispute, generosity to ensure others' needs are met, stamina and humble strength.

In other words, form us for the work of peace.

Amen and amen.

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