February 03, 2005

National Prayer Breakfast
Closing Prayer
Congressman Lincoln Davis
February 3, 2005

Congressman Davis had the distinct honor of giving the closing prayer at the 53rd annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. The President and First Lady along with many other distinguished guests were in attendance.

First, I'd like to thank the Honorable Tony Hall for his wonderful words and powerful message. I'd also like to thank the President and the First Lady for being here today, and for their spiritual leadership. A special thanks to Representative Jo Ann Emerson for her outstanding work as Chairwoman of this year's National Prayer Breakfast. Finally, I'd like to thank everyone for attending this gathering as we humbly give praise to God.

Since the dawning of the age of civilization, man has turned to our Creator through prayer for guidance in times of difficulty. Today, in modern America we are no different. In fact, thanks to our Founding Fathers, one of the oldest traditions of the United States Congress is to begin each legislative day with prayer, so that we may have spiritual help in making decisions that affect our country, and our world.

On June 28, 1787, when the Constitutional Convention was lost in a sea of confusion and could not agree upon a course of action, Benjamin Franklin arose and addressed President Washington and said, "We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that-'Except the Lord Build the House, they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided in our little partial local interests, our projects will be confounded and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing a Government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war or conquest. I therefore beg leave to move-

"That henceforth, Prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."

Those words are as relevant today as they were back in the infancy of the America.

Following in the tradition requested by Benjamin Franklin let us pray:

Dear Lord, we ask that you look down upon us today and instill in our hearts and minds the faith and perseverance to do Your will. We ask for courage and wisdom as we look towards the future and aim to establish a world where Your children do not suffer from the actions of man.

In these trying, uncertain times, Your inspiration and love is desperately needed. Bless our endeavors and guide our steps so that we may truly do Your work.

Too often in today's world man's vision becomes cloudy with constant temptation. When this occurs, man can easily become lost in a Godless wilderness void of spirituality. Sin thrives within this wilderness, and selfishness abounds. Lord, free us from temptation and give us strength. Please allow Your light to shine upon our paths, and bless us with the compass of Your will, so that we will seek to do not what is best for ourselves, but rather, what is best for our fellow man. Let us know the beauty of Godly deeds.

Lord, I have often turned to You for aid and strength in making difficult decisions. I ask divine help for each of us to continually seek the satisfaction found only in a spiritual life. Today, I ask for You to continue to bless the lives of all Your children, and to give today's attendees the strength to lead morally and ethically as we embrace the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the face of an unknown future.

Lord, our country has been blessed. Let us realize that it is only through Your grace that we have received these blessings. Lord, burden us to continue give our hearts to You.

Give our nation and the nations of the world the passion to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, quench the thirsty, heal the sick, and help the oppressed break free from the torment of their oppressors. Let our passion for a Godly world never fade.

Lord, for our America, give the leaders the courage to ask for Your stewardship through prayer. Give our leaders peace of heart, and assist us in our endeavors, so that we may positively impact America and the world community. Allow our spirit to feel your guiding hand.

Please bless all the nations of the world, and fill their leaders heart's with hope for a better tomorrow. Shepherd them through their daily challenges towards the goal of everlasting peace. Help these leaders strive to make decisions reflective of Your resolve, for if we enact Your will, we can know a blessed life.

Finally, Lord help us recognize the value of mankind throughout the world. Help us to continue to thirst for peace and an end to anguish. Help us embrace our differences as we work to achieve the goals of common good. May peace, hope, and God's love thrive in our hearts. These things I humbly ask in His Holy Name. Amen.