The government shutdown with its display of raw human nature prompted me to pull a book of prayers off the shelf. Peter Marshall was Chaplain of the United States Senate from 1947 until his sudden death in January, 1949. His prayer to open the Senate on February 19, 1947 seems timely for Congress today.
“Our Father in heaven, we pray for the members of this body in their several responsibilities. Help them in their offices, in committees, and, above all, as they meet here in legislative session. May they never forget that what is said and done here is not done in a corner, but always under Thy scrutiny. May they feel the weight of their responsibility before Thee, and remember the influence of a good example, that all who come to this place may have a stronger faith in government of the people, by the people, for the people. May the senators so speak and act that all who wait upon them and serve them may be inspired, rather than disillusioned, by what they see and hear and are asked to do. Lord Jesus, make Thyself real to these men, that each may feel Thee sitting beside him, and hear Thy voice, and win Thine approval in all things. So help them, God, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.”
When TV cameras show you the Senate chamber, you see to the far right of the podium two large double doors. Immediately to the left of those doors is a leather chair. That’s the chair of the Senate Chaplain. You usually won’t see him sitting there because the Chaplain has many more duties than just the opening prayer. Chaplains in both houses lead Bible studies, give spiritual counsel to members of Congress, their families, staffs, and to the Capitol Hill police. With the shutdown and the raw display of human nature, let us pray for the chaplains and their ministries to those who should lead us.
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