Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Bernard Bergman on 26 May 1942

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Date: 2024-05-18

Last Updated: 2024-05-18

Categories: Opening Prayers for Legislative Bodies, United States of America

Tags: 20th century C.E., 58th century A.M., 77th Congress, English vernacular prayer, Prayers of Guest Chaplains, U.S. House of Representatives, World War Ⅱ, תחינות teḥinot

Excerpt: The Opening Prayer given in the U.S. House of Representatives on 26 May 1942. . . .


Content:
Guest Chaplain: Rabbi Bernard Bergman, Home of the Sons and Daughters of Israel, New York City, New York
Sponsor: Rep. Arthur Klein (D-NY)
Date of Prayer: 26 May 1942


Contribute a translation Source (English)
Almighty God, Father of the Universe!
We beseech Thee,
bless our Chief Executive
and prosper the enterprises
of the august Members of this assembly,
the chosen representatives
of the great American people,
gathered here in solemn deliberation
in this supreme moment
of their Nation’s need.
Merciful God,
grant them light and guidance
in this perilous hour of humanity’s agony.
Grant them wisdom and foresight
to navigate the ship of state
amidst the sundry obstructions and obstacles
besetting our course,
and guard them against
those who seek to paralyze the arms
of the brave defenders of our liberties
who are now engaged in Thy forces,
even as they are waging humanity’s struggle
on the battlefields of many continents
and distant lands.
We beseech Thee, O Lord,
look down from Thy throne of mercy
upon Thy children of this liberty-loving Nation.
Bless our brave effort
and send glorious victory to our banners.
Grant us, O Lord, Thy blessing,
so that “the earth shall be filled again
with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9)[1] Cf. Habakkuk 2:14 
Amen.

This prayer of the guest chaplain was offered in the fifth month of the second session of the 77th US Congress in the House of Representatives, and published in the Congressional Record, vol. 88, part 4 (26 May 1942), page 4576.

Source(s)

Congressional Record, vol. 88, part 4 (26 May 1942), p. 4576

 

Notes

Notes
1 Cf. Habakkuk 2:14

Contributor: Aharon N. Varady (editing/transcription)

Co-authors:

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