Are You There, God? It’s Us, the Republicans
As Republicans look to select their next leader, some may be appealing to a higher power for guidance.
A weekly bipartisan, interdenominational Christian prayer service in the Capitol basement will focus on the leadership turmoil Wednesday with “A Special Call to Prayer: For Providential Guidance in the Speaker’s election,” according to the group’s flyer.
Guess there’s a prayer service IN the Capitol tomorrow for Providential Guidance in Speaker’s Election pic.twitter.com/dNLFc33rzl
— Matt Laslo (@MattLaslo) October 20, 2015
The service is known as the "Jefferson Gathering " and is lead by convening pastor Dan Cummins. The Jefferson Gathering has been occurring in the Capitol for roughly two years, and Cummins said the name is derived from President Thomas Jefferson's prayer services that were held in what is now Statuary Hall.
"All we’re going to say is, 'Lord have your will, have your way, and help the members of this particular party to choose the leader," Cummins said in a Tuesday phone interview with HOH.
Though the honorary congressional hosts listed on the flyer are all Republicans, Cummins said the group would do the same if the Democrats were experiencing a similar leadership shakeup.
"If ever there’s a special need in Congress, regardless of party or affiliation, we’re there to pray for members of Congress,” Cummins said.
Members of Congress, their invited guests, and staffers are invited to attend the prayer service, which typically involves speeches followed by a prayer. The pastors also encourage members of Congress to invite pastors from their own districts to participate.
The service was inspired by an annual event at the Capitol known as "Washington — a Man of Prayer," which involves a Christian-led prayer in Statuary Hall to commemorate when President George Washington prayed for the nation after he was first sworn in as president.
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