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Hi Friend,

I always cherish tuning in for the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, which was held on Thursday morning. It’s an event like no other.   

It’s an all-too-rare time where Members of Congress of both parties and the incumbent president share some quality time of fellowship and good cheer, a session of spirituality that in the moment raises the spirts of the city – and, for folks like me watching at home, of the nation. 

Putting partisanship aside to come together for a higher purpose? 

Talk about déjà vu – that sounds very similar to what our community does (and espouses) each day of the year.  

For America to thrive (and, yes, to have a prayer), we need every day in Washington to have the ethos of that wonderful prayer breakfast.   

Reflect on the words of Georgia Congresswoman Lucy McBath, who happens to be a Democrat: 

“We each have a purpose greater than being members of Congress…I have faith in the institution that we are humbled to serve in and the tools of the government that we are empowered to wield and the power that we have as people to make change in our world to make our future better, brighter, and stronger. I have faith that our unity this morning can extend beyond these doors and shape the work we have ahead of us.” 

And consider these fantastic sentiments from Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan, who happens to be a Republican: 

"My prayer today is that a spirit of reconciliation flowing from obedience to your ageless plan may be found increasingly in my life and that of my dear Congressional colleagues. I pray the same for President Biden, Vice President Harris, and our Congressional leadership… Spur us to humbly pray, Father, leaving our wrongful divisive ways, and experience healing reconciliation in our government and our nation. Let it begin in US right now."

President Biden also said just the right things: 

"In our politics, in our lives, we too often see each other as opponents and competitors, we see each other as enemies and not neighbors. As tough as these times have been if we look closer, we see the strength and determination that has long defined America…. While there have been profound differences, the last two years have proven we can come together to do big things for the country. We can join hands and get things done. We can redeem the soul of America."

Two more moments that caught my eye…. 

Tracey Mann, a Republican representative from Kansas invoked Psalm 33:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” 

And Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie reminded us that “We can do more when we are united in vision and voice.”

Amen to that. 

Let us resolve on this day to take the spirit and message of the prayer breakfast and have it imbue all of our political acts, not just on one day a year, as I said, but every day. 

That’s what we do at No Labels, and that is what makes us unique in our goals and focus.   

To help us win that righteous battle, won’t you take a moment to kick in $5 or whatever you can afford to help with our shared mission?

Prayerfully,    

Margaret White 
Co-executive Director