[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 43 (Monday, March 8, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben, offered the 
following prayer:
  Tender and loving God, we come to You on this International Women's 
Day in gratitude for the care and example You have lifted up before us 
in the women whose lives in some way have touched our own, and those 
whose virtue in the face of untold and inconceivable challenges has 
provided for us a legacy of fortitude and faith.
  For women like Rahab and Deborah whose bravery and courage challenged 
expectations and changed the course of nations.
  For countless and hidden figures who continue to challenge 
institutional norms, influencing and enriching national research, 
advancements in technology, social sciences, and the arts.
  For the unheralded mothers who challenge the hours in a day and find 
ways to manage households and nurture young leaders.
  For the faithful, like Mary, Ruth, and Esther who in the face of 
cultural challenges, nonetheless yielded to Your will and effected Your 
loving plan for Your people.
  As we go about our business and address the concerns of these days, 
may we hear from the wisdom of these paragons, the teaching of 
kindness. May we learn from their lives' work, the importance of 
courage. May we be inspired by the strength and honor of these women, 
that our conduct would be worthy of their virtuous history.
  Like them, Almighty God, call each of us to choose to challenge the 
limiting prejudice of expectations, the destructive norms of injustice, 
the overwhelming crush of daily living; that in facing these 
challenges, each of us would prove faithful to and honor the gift of 
life You give us this day.
  We pray in the abiding love of Your holy name.
  Amen.

                          ____________________