We rise to offer prayer to Almighty God
as this august lawmaking body
is about to resume its labors.

We do so with hearts filled with gratitude
for the manifold mercies Thou hast shown
to our beloved land
and the American people.

Thou hast prospered our work
materially and spiritually,
and in the grim struggle
through which we have just passed
Thou hast strengthened our arms
and hast finally blest us with victory.

We pray that we may continue to enjoy
the favor of Thy guidance and inspiration
that these United States may go on
from spiritual strength to spiritual strength
and from moral triumph to moral triumph.

May we prove ourselves
no less strong in peace than in war.
May we organize for peace wisely,
with stout hearts and unflinching spirits,
and may we, as a nation, so live as to set an example
of fair dealing and righteous living,
of charity and compassion,
to the end that international peace
become a permanent condition,
and men everywhere
will dwell in peace and security,
each under his vine and fig tree,
with none to make him afraid.

O God, we thank Thee
for the new hope kindled in the world
that mankind may now look to an era of brotherliness and good will.
Let us not, through selfishness or folly,
dim the vision for a better and happier world
now cherished by countless millions.
Teach us to be at peace
with ourselves
and with one another.
Sanctify us through Thy commandments
as we perform them day by day,
and may we of this blessed land
apply ourselves steadfastly
to the healing of the wounds
and the rebuilding of the shattered lives
of our fellow men in less fortunate lands.

Bless the President of the United States
and the members of his Cabinet;
Bless the Senate,
this House of Representatives,
the judiciary,
and all who are connected with the Government.
Bless them all
with health and strength of body
and with wisdom and fortitude of spirit,
that they may carry on worthily and fittingly
the important tasks of their exalted offices.
Through their efforts,
may this Government become ever more
a government of laws,
laws nobly conceived,
wisely framed,
and affording the largest amount of good
to the largest number of people.

In Thee we trust, O Father,
and may the words of our mouths
and the meditations of our hearts
be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord,
our strength and our Redeemer.
Amen.