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The recent storms have knocked out the main phone lines to the Presbytery Office Until further notice, please reach us through the Stated Clerk's Office: 518-273-3390
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Scroll Down for our Lectionary Readings of the Day |
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The offices of Albany Presbytery are closed on Friday, July 3rd in honor of our country's celebration of Independence Day. We hope everyone enjoys a fun and safe weekend! |
In 1992, The Reverend Norman A. Hjelm, Director of faith and order, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States, New York, NY, offered the following prayer in the United States House of Representatives in honor of Independence Day: |
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Lord God of hosts, God of the nations: By your grace and in Your patience, You have allowed this, our land, once again to celebrate its birth, its primal guest for liberty, justice, and equity. And we are grateful.
And once again, by Your grace and in Your patience, You have called this House-- responsible men and women who are equally faithful and unfaithful, righteous and unrighteous before You, each other, and the people-- You have called this House to the exercise of its solemn task of the legislation of law and the formation of the Nation.
Remind these Your servants that liberty, justice, and equity remain ahead of this Nation as tasks yet to be fulfilled and not as goals already reached.
Maintain before us a clear dedication to the needs of those in our midst who are on the outside because of age, ill health, race, sex, poverty and urban or rural degredation.
And consecrate anew this Nation to the exercise of imaginative and sacrificial leadership in a restless and violent world which still struggles for authentic justice, peace and a safe home in Your creation.
Accept now, O God, the labors of this day and the frail lives of Your servants in this House. To You be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. |
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By tradition, Congress convenes its sessions with opening prayers, one each for the House and Senate. Most prayers are spiritual, reflective and tend to focus on, for example, the need for heavenly guidance for the work Congress is about to tackle. Independence Day prayers are somewhat different in that they have included topical commentary and perspective-based sentiments regarding the Declaration of Independence and the country's patriots. These prayers are more colorful than others and tend to evoke a sense of patriotism and pride. When Congress is adjourned on the Fourth of July, holiday prayers are given by House and Senate chaplains either before July 4 or immediately upon reconvening.
The prayer above was delivered on July 7th.
For more Congressional Independence Day Prayers, click here. |
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Coming July 6th: Our New Book of Prayer for 2009-2010 |
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©2007 Albany Presbytery, Watervliet, NY