[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 16059]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  Reverend Michael Wilker, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 
Washington, D.C., offered the following prayer:
  Spirit of truth and reconciliation, You created us in Your image to 
care for one another and the common good. Our Nation's democracy 
intends to be one where we respect every resident and attend to those 
most vulnerable.
  But too often our political discourse divides us from our best 
selves. Too often we use religion to divide and justify one group's 
triumph over another. Save us from the tyranny of hate, greed, and the 
fear of our enemies.
  Renew our political engagement and cultivate generosity, patience, 
civility, and collegiality. Guide us to discern and honestly articulate 
our own deeply held values. Open our hearts to listen to and equally 
value our partners.
  Restore our commitment to democratic values and strengthen us to 
practice them skillfully. Help us contend and wrestle with the issues 
and not each other.
  Amen.

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