the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, reverend michael welker, ruth

the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by the guest chaplain, reverend michael welker, ruth ren church of the reformation -- lutheran church of the reformation, washington, d.c. the chaplain: creator of the stars of night, source and ground of every flower, as christians prepare to celebrate jesus' birth, we thank you for advent saints like a one diego and -- juan diego and luchia, who suffer from slavery, colonization and sexism. through the vision of the virgin guadalupe, you strengthen and encourage us. guide the deliberations of congress members so they work to free all people from bondage. inspire the work of the staff members, especially those who work in the capitol buildings and grounds, to care for the flowers and lights, food and visitors. holy parent of us all, visit your children today, especially those in the wake of tornados in kentucky and the midwest. by the stars of heaven and the flowers of the earth, inspire and guide us with the spirit's fire and fragrance. amen. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to section 11-a of house resolution 188, the journal of the