[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 16849]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  Reverend Michael D. Wilker, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 
Washington, D.C., offered the following prayer:
  Eternal God, for everything there is a season, and a time for every 
matter under Heaven.
  You have made each of us and gathered us together for this moment.
  Jesus Christ promised at the end of time that the nations will be 
judged by how they feed the hungry, refresh the thirsty, welcome the 
stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the 
imprisoned.
  Thank You for guiding and encouraging us to answer Your call to 
justice and mercy in this past year. Forgive us for the ways we 
mistreated others and failed to care for Your creation.
  In the new year, astonish and disrupt us so that we may meet You when 
we serve those who are at the lowest rungs and the farthest margins of 
our society. When we are vulnerable or suffering, surprise us with Your 
amazing grace, steadfast love, and everlasting joy.
  Amen.

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