[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 18, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H6305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page H6305]]

House of Representatives

  The House met at 10 a.m.
  The Reverend Dr. Eric Anthony Joseph, Chaplain and Dean, Langston 
University, Oklahoma, offered the following prayer:
  The Biblical psalmist says, ``I will make Your name to be remembered 
in all generations; therefore the people shall praise You forever and 
ever'' (Psalm Chapter 45:16 and 17).
  Let us ask God to govern our hearts and minds and Nation as we pray:
  Dear heavenly Father, in a world in which many would claim our 
allegiance and seek our praise, we recognize that You alone are worthy 
of our praise.
  For since the first Continental Congress opened in 1774 with 2\1/2\ 
hours of prayer, various ministers and guest chaplains and politicians 
have graced this transit House to appeal to You, as our sovereign Lord, 
to play an integral role in the Government of our then young Nation.
  In 1789 we had 65 House Members and 26 Senators. In 1800 we moved the 
seat of power to the District of Columbia near the residence of our 
first President, General George Washington; and since 1911 we have 
grown to 435 House Members and today we have 100 Senators.
  Therefore, Lord, as we grow as one Nation under Your providential 
jurisdiction, we beseech You to give these anointed House Members and 
servants to Thy people the fruit of Your omnipotent Holy Spirit.
  May the House of Congress serve with love, joy, peace, patience, 
goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, as well as 
justice, humility, and compassion.
  Guide and bless these men and women who have been elected by Your 
grace to direct us to the center of Your will. We openly ask these 
things in the name of Your Son, the living Saviour and Lord, Jesus the 
Christ. Amen.

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