[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 1, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H587]
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:
  Intercede in our lives, O Lord, even as we offer prayers of 
intercession for others. While we offer our petitions and thanksgiving 
for our leaders and all who are in authority, with our voices we also 
pray for those who have no voice, for those who have no hope, and for 
those who don't know how or what to pray in the moments they are now 
enduring.
  Hear our prayers for the individuals we know and name in our hearts 
who are grieving loss or suffering illness. For too many who are mute 
with pain and despair, may the prayers from our lips reach You on their 
behalf.
  Hear our prayers for our communities and our country who are 
fractured by the tragedies of violence in all its forms. For the many 
cities and neighborhoods disrupted with animosity and distrust, may the 
prayers we offer together in this place bring forth a comity to be 
found only in You.
  Hear our prayers for the war-torn countries around the world and for 
their citizens who suffer from abuses of power, the deprivation of 
religious liberties, and the brutal oppression of human rights. For 
these who are prohibited from praying, may our prayers be louder and 
stronger than the adversary who seeks to silence them.
  You alone are sovereign, O God. May our faith be found righteous 
before You that our prayers would be powerful and effective on behalf 
of Your people.
  In the strength of Your name we pray.
  Amen.

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