I arrived in DC on Tuesday evening and immediately began visiting offices. 

I encountered Representative Chris Stewart of Utah. Mr. Stewart was in the process of packing up his belongings. His wife has been struggling with health issues and he no longer felt he could remain in Congress.

He has always been very open to engage and have times of prayer with me. This was his last week on the Hill and I was glad to have this opportunity to say goodbye. It was obvious that it was a bittersweet time for him. Pray for him, his wife and his family.

With Representative Stewart’s departure and with other Republicans either gone for health or other issues, it gives the Republicans a one-vote majority in the House. This slim margin makes things even more challenging for Speaker McCarthy. There is a real chance that he might be facing a challenge to his leadership.

Tuesday evening my colleague, Dan, and I slipped into a room just off the House Floor for prayer with the House Prayer Caucus. This group gathers together on “fly-in” day for a time of prayer during the first votes of the week. During our time with these representatives, we prayed for specific constituent prayer requests, for members of Congress, and for the legislative issues they are facing.

Prayer cards are signed by each representative and Dan and I were also honored to sign the cards that are sent to each person.

Those in the room acknowledged the challenging days ahead as they need to pass a budget before September 30th, an impeachment inquiry, and other issues. These representatives called on God for His help realizing that the issues were well beyond their wisdom and power.

Following this prayer time, Dan and I spent more than an hour with a representative in discussion and prayer. The coming weeks are going to be intense. The only way this representative saw in making changes to our government and to the out of control spending in some government agencies was to defund them. Another member has said that spending has increased 40 percent since before the COVID pandemic. A budget agreement must be reached by September 30th.

Back in July I saw my friend and fellow artist, Michael W. Smith. As we chatted, I invited him to come to Capitol Hill and sing for us. He responded, “When do you want me, September or October?” 

On October 24th, Michael will come to the Hill for "A Night of Inspiration." We are excited that Michael will be coming to sing for us and the potential spiritual impact it can have.

Flyers are posted on Capitol bulletin boards and as I visited offices, I passed out cards announcing this night of worship that is especially targeted to the young staffers who work on the Hill.

There are lots of details to address in preparing for this evening including securing an adequate sound system to be used in the Pelosi Caucus Room. Pray for this opportunity.

The Kennedy Caucus Room is located on the third floor of the Russell Senate Office Building. As I rounded the corner of the hall I encountered a huge crowd of reporters trying to catch a glimpse of tech leaders who were testifying in a hearing including Elon Musk, Bill Gates and others.

Walking down a hall in the Rayburn Building there remained a sign on the door of an office requiring those who enter to wear a mask. Some still live in fear of the virus.

Throughout the day I engaged with representatives of both political parties. I encountered Representative James Comer of Tennessee who is the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee and had a brief word of prayer.

At another point, I prayed with Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio who has been charged with investigating recent reports of CIA analysts involved with COVID lab leak findings. Pressure on both men is intense and Representative Wenstrup shared that he answers “to a higher authority.”

In the basement of the Capitol, I met Senator Mike Braun of Indiana. I introduced myself and shared that I had been leaving him notes. He turned to his staffer and acknowledged that he had asked who I was a few days earlier. I shared that I was born, raised, and attended college in Indiana. I prayed for him as he would be completing his time in the Senate to run for governor of Indiana.

Wednesday evening, we held our worship service in room 122 on the first floor of the Capitol. Our guest speaker was Pastor Andy Doll, the pastor of Representative Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin. Reverend Doll is the pastor of Bible Baptist Church of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Following our service, we made our way to the Rotunda for our time of taking the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and singing.

As I was leaving the Capitol I saw and introduced myself to another senator who has been receiving my notes for years but who I had never met. He was glad to put my face with the notes. He shared that he believed in the power of prayer and thanked me.

When I returned to my hotel on Wednesday night my FitBit app showed that I had walked over 25,000 steps and almost 12 miles that day. I certainly got my steps in.

I’ll be returning to DC in two weeks which will be on the eve of a government shutdown unless a deal is made. 

One member told me that only God could address this challenge.

Pray for those in leadership. Pray for wisdom. Pray that God would move in the hearts of those on Capitol Hill.