The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Emmanuel Cleaver

St. James United Methodist Church
Kansas City, MO

Date of Prayer: 01/03/2019

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty and endearing God, whose Lordship is just and true, we bow in recognition of that Godship in this hallowed and consequential moment of inaugurating a Speaker to preside over and provide leadership to the House of Representatives of the United States.

May we temporarily hush our preoccupation with vexing considerations that deplete our energy and consume our hours to seek now favor from Thou whose immaculate voting record demonstrates our need of Thy guidance.

We pray, O Lord, for wisdom sufficient to lean not on our unaided privilege and power to embrace our summons to address the great challenges of this day that are fraught with tribalism at home and
turbulence abroad.

Thou who has the whole world in His hand, to Thee we pray for inner resources to rise as a legislative body above political selfishness and
then shrink to a level of humility and penitence that would be in harmony with Your will.

When we leave this place, we will, with Your blessing, launch a bold attempt to become the architects of a kindlier Nation that is purging
itself of any and all prejudices which degrade the unmatched blessings You have awarded the people of this great Nation.

Inspire us, the Members of this august body, to dedicate ourselves to the healing of open sores in a land where there is far too much mistrust and enmity of those who are different.

Led now in this temple of governance by the Speaker and leaders of both sides of the political aisle, we pray for Your presence in this place.

We need Thee every hour. O Lord, how we need thee. When we are puzzled, guide us with Your hand of direction. When we are worn and wearied, grant us light to find a just and fair way, and when we are
confused, anoint our priorities and pet projects so that any diminutive success may give You the glory.

Receive now this prayer, O Lord. Amen.

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