House prayer: Respect people who 'vote for someone else'

The House convened for a very brief pro forma session on Tuesday morning, one that consisted mostly of a prayer for people to respect others as they vote today in what is still seen by some as a very close presidential election.

"God, who exists within each one of us and binds us together as one people, be with us this election day as we exercise our responsibility to choose our leaders and set a trajectory into the future," said Kurt Gerhard of the St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., as he led the morning prayer.

"Let us be mindful and respectful of the views of those who vote for someone else.

"Open our minds to realize that although we are a nation filled with diverse philosophies, our common motive is to make this country a fruitful and peace-filled nation, allowing all people the opportunity to pursue dreams," he said. "Help us to see our victories and defeats in the voting booths as a blessing of freedom and not a judgment on ideals."

Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio) led the pro forma session, which was not interrupted by any Democrat calling for the House to return. Democrats spent most of October using the pro forma sessions to call for a resumption of work, but the House is scheduled to return a week from today, Nov. 13.