What the House Chaplain should have prayed

Chaplain Conroy, his Mother and John Boehner
Official Speaker of House photo / flickr

Speaker Paul Ryan summarily dismissed the House Chaplain Friday for blending religion with prayer. He stated that the Chaplain should stay out of politics. Father Patrick J. Conroy, A Jesuit priest has served as Chaplain for seven years. Some in the House have said that the Chaplain should be replaced by a family man of non-denominational persuasion.

This is the prayer that was behind the firing of the Chaplain. Just before the tax bill was debated he prayed:

"God of the universe, we give You thanks for giving us another day. Bless the Members of this assembly as they set upon the work of these hours, of these days. Help them to make wise decisions in a good manner and to carry their responsibilities steadily, with high hopes for a better future for our great Nation.

As legislation on taxes continues to be debated this week and next, may all Members be mindful that the institution and structures of our great Nation guarantees the opportunities that have allowed some to achieve great success, while others continue to struggle. May their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans. May Your blessings, O God, be with them and with us all this day and every day to come, and may all were do be done for Your great honor and glory. Amen."

The following prayer might have helped Chaplain Conroy keep his job. And surely continue the good work of making America the country it used to be.

God of these your United States--we give you thanks for giving us yet another day. Bless the members of this assembly, especially those who stand behind our President and his great work. Help them as they strengthen his base which helps bring back the greatness to our land.

As we debate these complicated tax issues make us mindful of all the lobbyists who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes that the institutions and structures of our country will insure the  greatness of our yesterdays. Help the efforts of those in the House that vote to insure that American is number one in every way.

Remind us that as they struggle that it will be made clear that those that do not work have no right to eat--and that the monies in our coffers will make the successful stronger that money might trickle down like a mighty stream to the truly deserving.

May these new tax laws benefit those that have worked so hard and teach those without to see their sacrifices as a way to learn to live with limits and humility and love for the successful.

Keep us free from all that would give away the treasures of this fine land to irrelevant issues like health care, lodging,  food stamps and undeserving schools.

Bless all who support the leaders of our mighty country and give them the courage to ignore the cries and the outrage of the minority in the land.

We ask it all in the strong name of the One whose great desire is to keep American great and strong. Amen.

Just a reminder that prayer is a dangerous thing.

photo by alexbersin / flickr

--Roger Lovette / rogerlovette.blogspot.com