WATCH: Congressman Kustoff Remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) led a prayer at the 73rd National Prayer Breakfast alongside President Donald J. Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Click the image below to watch his remarks or read them as prepared below.
Remarks as prepared:
Good morning and thank you to the Republican leadership, the Democratic leadership, and especially to the organizers of this year's terrific prayer breakfast carrying on this tremendous tradition.
If I can, I’d like to talk to you about a portion of the Torah that focuses on the miracle of the parting of the red sea, which was performed by God through Moses as the Israelites escaped the pursuing Egyptian army.
After crossing the sea and recognizing the astounding miracle that had occurred, Moses and the people of Israel sang the “Song of the Sea,” and in Hebrew, “Shirat HaYam”, signifying their journey from slavery to freedom.
This prayer is so central to Jewish life that it is said every day as part of morning service. If I can, I’ll read a few verses taken from Exodus, Chapter 15, Verses 11 – 13:
“Who is like You among the powerful, O Lord? Who is like You, powerful in the holy place? Too awesome for praises, performing wonders! You inclined Your right hand; the earth swallowed them up. With Your loving kindness You led the people You redeemed; You led [them] with Your might to Your holy abode.”
This prayer and song is an expression of gratitude for freedom and for liberation.
First and foremost, we are grateful to God for our freedom and for our liberty. In addition, we are grateful for our leaders who protect it, and the brave men and women of our Armed Services who defend it.
I’d like to end with this Priestly blessing: “May the Lord bless you and watch over you. May the Lord cause His countenance to shine you and favor you. May the Lord raise His countenance toward you and grant you peace.”
Amen.
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