[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 8583]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  Rev. Earl F. Palmer, National Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C., 
offered the following prayer:
  O God, Our Father, we begin this day with gratitude and resolve. We 
give thanks for those who are privileged to serve in this place of 
study, deliberation, decisions and history. We are grateful for our 
Republic of citizens, young and old, their cities and States, farms and 
villages--a people who by their work and dreams give motivation and 
energy to what happens here in this House of Representatives.
  As we begin this day, we claim, O God, Your gift of truth and grace: 
for truth that bears the imprint of integrity and honesty and for Your 
grace that forgives us when harm happens and healing is needed to keep 
us whole.
  We ask for the wisdom, courage and respect that build friendships 
among these leaders who guide our land. Grant us the hope that 
encourages through morning, afternoon, and evening hours because of 
Your love and faithfulness. Amen.

                          ____________________