[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 3782]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  Reverend Dr. Mark Gooden, Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 
Johnson City, Tennessee, offered the following prayer:
  Dear God, I give You praise this morning for Your goodness and mercy, 
Your steadfast love, and Your wonderful grace. Holy is Your name.
  I pray for these Congresswomen and -men who represent the people 
across this land. These faithful servants sought public office to make 
a difference. Help them to stay the course and to compromise when 
conscience allows, but stand strong in their convictions when they can 
do no less. For their work ahead, I pray that You grant them clarity of 
thought, wisdom, and understanding. Some here are hurting and grieving; 
please comfort them and give them peace.
  I pray that You forgive us as a people when we react with hatred and 
not kindness, when we are quick to speak and slow to listen, when we 
seek not to be understood but to judge. Help us to remember what You 
require of us: that we act justly, that we love mercy, and that we walk 
humbly with You.
  Amen.

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