The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Michael Wilker

Lutheran Church of the Reformation
Washington, DC

Date of Prayer: 04/26/2021

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

One Minute Address

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Creator, Shepherd, Sustainer of Life, thank You for the gifts of this day, of these our bodies, of this our government, and of Your good Earth:
for our waking breath and final heartbeat;
for our eyes and ears, all limbs and senses;
for honest and trustworthy officials,
for the people of every State, territory and Tribe;
for the spring Sun and full Moon, for redwoods, turtles, and bison.

Even as we praise You, we recognize and grieve the wounds on our bodies and upon every part of the creation we have touched.

Sustain every body that is oppressed by sin, racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism, like a good shepherd who carries her sheep and leads them home, like a good shepherd who lays down His life for us.

Then grant us compassion to be shepherds for others, loving them not simply in words and speeches, but in truth and action. Amen.

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