WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today was elected by a group of her colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to serve as president of the House Prayer Breakfast.  The breakfast for members of Congress is held on Thursdays weekly when the House is in session.

 

“This is a great honor for me,” Emerson said.  “My spiritual relationship with God is a
tremendous part of my service in Congress.  Many of my colleagues share the desire to combine their dedication to prayer with their strong sense of public service.  Our weekly meetings are a chance to reflect together on the role of faith in our lives.”

 

The House Prayer Breakfast, which is open only to members of Congress, has a long tradition in Congress.  The bipartisan group began in 1942 as an opportunity for representatives to fellowship.  Emerson is the first female president of the group.

 

“There’s no question that elected office comes with its own unique set of challenges, but prayer is a universal practice.  Prayer has many places and applications, whether it is in a house of worship, the house you live in, or the House of Representatives.  As individuals of faith, personal relationships with God are a powerful part of the strategy we employ to deal with the tests and trials of daily life. ”

 

In February of 2005, Emerson will chair the National Prayer Breakfast as part of her official capacity.  Emerson succeeds Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) as president.  The office alternates between Democrats and Republicans each year.