Prayers in the U.S. Congress
Since the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks |
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Introduction and Index
Many words are spoken on the floor of the U.S. House of
Representatives and the U.S. Senate every day. In fact, billions and billions and billions of
words
have been spoken in those august legislative chambers since the founding of this nation. But all
of
the words that have been spoken there are not of equal importance. Some of those words have
been much more important than others. The most important words spoken there, by far, have
been the prayers offered by the Chaplains before the beginning of legislative business, every
legislative day, for more than two centuries.
And
now, in the aftermath of 9/11, as we look to God our Father for the solution to the peril
that has come upon this nation, the prayers given by the Chaplains on all days following 9/11,
become far more important than the prayers given by the Chaplains prior to 9/11. This is
because our national unity before God has never been more directly linked to the issue of our
national survival.
It would be wise, then, for the citizens of this nation, to lend their ears to these words
spoken
unto God, from these two seats of American democratic power, that the strands of the national
mind can become one strong cord of humility and supplication unto the seat of Heavenly
Authority, the very Throne of God, from whence our national salvation must come.
As a preface to our review of this body of prayer, it would be fitting to begin with the
prayers
offered on the day before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center,
and the Pentagon, as they contain some very interesting principles:
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U.S. Senate
September 10, 2001
The Senate met at 11 a.m. and was called to order by the President
pro
tempore [Mr. BYRD].
The Chaplain, Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, offered the following prayer:
Father, thank You for the privilege to pray to You at the beginning of
this work week in the United States Senate. Gratefully, we remember the historic event which
made possible one of America's most enduring traditions. On September 7, 1774, the first
prayer
in Congress was prayed when the Continental Congress convened. We praise You that this
declaration of dependence on You led to the Declaration of Independence twenty-two months
later. We reflect on the many times throughout our Nation's
history that prayer broke deadlocks, opened the way to greater unity, and brought light in our
darkest times. As we celebrate the power of prayer in years past, deepen our individual and
corporate prayers for this Senate and our Nation. Help us to say those crucial words, ``One
Nation
Under God'' with new trust in You this morning.
Dear God, bless America. Guide this Senate to lead this Nation to
greater trust in You. We need a profound spiritual awakening once again. Forgive our Nation's
humanistic secularism, materialism, and insensitivity to the problems of poverty, racism, and
injustice. Lower Your plumb line of righteousness on every facet of our society and reveal what
is
out of plumb for what You desire for America. May our prayers draw us to Your heart. We
want
this prayer to begin a continuous conversation with
You throughout this day. Help us to listen, discern Your will, and obey with faithfulness. You
are
our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
[Congressional Record: S9205]
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U.S. House
September 10, 2001
The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the
following
prayer:
Out of the depths, David cries to You, O Lord, in Psalm 130.
Lord, on an ordinary September Monday, caught up in routine, it may
be difficult for us to be in touch with our depths.
Yet when aware of the pain in some hearts or when we truly face the
complexity of issues overshadowing our responsibilities, we need Your mercy.
Help us to sense Your forgiveness behind every mistaken judgment
of
the past.
Guide our decisions today and throughout this week, that much may
be
accomplished and be recognized as Your providential care behind every event.
For it is Your justice and Your peace which holds the aspirations of
the
American people together.
Longing for Your presence, O Lord, make us watchful for Your
movements and personal reflection and in honest discussion, so Your glory may be evident in
our
deeds.
By Your grace penetrate our souls, that we may live and pray from
the
depths now and forever.
Amen.
[Congressional Record: H5458]
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| 2001 |
| September 2001 |
October 2001 |
November 2001 |
December 2001 |
September 11, 2001
September 12, 2001
September 13, 2001
September 14, 2001
September 17, 2001
September 19, 2001
September 20, 2001
September 21, 2001
September 24, 2001
September 25, 2001
September 26, 2001
September 28, 2001
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October 1, 2001
October 2, 2001
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| 2002 |
| January 2002 |
February 2002 |
March 2002 |
April 2002 |
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| May 2002 |
June 2002 |
July 2002 |
August 2002 |
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| September 2002 |
October 2002 |
November 2002 |
December 2002 |
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Note: The process of compiling these prayers
began
on June 15, 2002. The rate of compilation is about one per day. If you check back frequently,
you will find additional links added to the index table above. We are sending out each newly
compiled prayer set to the people on our mailing list. If you would like to receive these
mailings,
use the form below to have your email address added to our mailing list.
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