Eternal God, You who hold the past, the present, and the future in Your hand, may we, like the wise of old, make haste to give You honor, and offer our hearts to Your presence.
Then as we stand in the nearness of Your spirit, may we who mourn the death of our friend and colleague Doug LaMalfa, and the deep loss of his generous friendship and affable nature among us, be consoled in the hope that he has been received into Your everlasting arms. May this promise give his wife, Jill, his family, and those who loved him a measure of comfort and peace in the distress of these days.
Then as this body returns to its regular order of business, we pray that You protect and uphold each one in this new year. As we stand on the cusp of its promise, buoyed by its opportunities, yet uncertain as to what lies ahead, trusting in You, may we be grateful for the new hope and the new attitudes You inspire in each of us.
This day, this year, may we take on conviction of character tempered with gentleness of demeanor.
May we demonstrate perseverance in righteousness, all the while preserving self–control and faithfulness in our relationships.
May we hold fast to our commitment to peace and justice, while never ignoring the divine law of love for our neighbor, be they friend or foe.
Whatever it is we bring to this year, to this day, to this place, may we allow it all to be transformed by the renewal You are working in us.
Now to You who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to Your power at work among us, to You we offer both ourselves and our prayers. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20, 4:22–24
Hence, nearly all vices are rooted in the future. Gratitude looks to the past and love to the present; fear, avarice, lust, and ambition look ahead.
—C.S. Lewis
The Interfaith Staff Prayer Room is open for congressional staff to use for personal prayer and meditation. For questions – email StaffPrayerRoom@mail.house.gov