"Except the Lord builds the house, they labor
in vain who build it; except the Lord keep the city,
the watchman wakes but in vain."
Psalm 27:1
We thank Thee, O Lord, that this land is still governed by
the people's representatives. Let the democratic processes be
seen at their best in this time of testing.
As these chosen men (and women) discharge their duties,
guide them, O God, in the decisions they must make today.
Give them the grace of humility, and shed now
Thy guiding light into every mind.
Break down every will that is stubbornly set
against Thine or that has ignored Thee.
May what is done be so clearly right
that it needs no incendiary justification.
Soothe our still-smoldering hearts and minds
with the spirit of forgiveness.
Let us be swayed not by emotion or ambition
but by calm conviction.
This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Opening prayer spoken over Congress by the Reverend Peter Marshall Sr.,
twice-appointed Chaplain of the US Senate, on June 23, 1947.
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