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Senate Prays That Lawmakers’ ‘Motives Be Transparent’

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Retired Rear Adm. Barry Black is approaching a decade as the Senate chaplain. Over the years, he’s delivered the daily prayer in a booming baritone and has provided spiritual counsel to countless senators and staffers.

We noted Black’s prayer that preceded Monday afternoon’s morning business — in which he asked for a blessing that senators’ “motives be transparent” — with some interest.

“Lord, save us from pride and arrogance, and help us to be quick to see the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves, and promote goodwill and fellowship among all people,” said Black. “Today, bless our lawmakers. Let their motives be transparent and their word be their bond. May they be generous in their judgment of others, loyal in their friendships and magnanimous to their opponents.”

The video of Monday’s prayer is here:

In a profile last year, Roll Call noted one of Black’s prayers during the 2011 debt limit debate that drew national attention

“Save us, oh God, for the waters are coming in upon us. We are weary from the struggle, tempted to throw in the towel,” he said at the time.

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