An opening prayer on the floor of the House of Representatives called for God to "cast out all spirits of darkness" on Thursday morning.

Rev. Patrick Conroy, the official House chaplain prayed, "This has been a difficult and contentious week in which darker spirits seem to have been at play in the people's House. In your most holy name, I now cast out all spirits of darkness from this chamber. Spirits not from you."

Seemingly referring to a contentious week in Congress rife with accusations of bigotry, Conroy continued praying, "I cast out the spirit of discouragement, which deadens the hope of those who are of good will. I cast out the spirit of petty divisiveness, which clouds the sense and the desire to be of fruitful productivity in addressing the issues more appropriately before this House. I cast out any sadness brought on by the frustration of dealing with matters detrimental to the honorable work each member has been called to engage in."

Conroy, 68, is a lawyer and a Jesuit priest who has served as the official House Chaplain since 2011. He is the 60th person to hold the position. Citing Conroy's tendency to weigh into political issues, former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan requested Conroy's resignation in 2018. Conroy initially complied with the request but later rescinded his resignation and was reinstated.