[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 92 (Tuesday, May 30, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2651]
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:
  Almighty God, You spoke, and the world came to being. You breathed 
life into humanity and gave us the same influence when You allowed us 
to speak. Remind us this day of the responsibility we have in wielding 
this authority. Call us to accountability as, even today, we wield the 
power You have bestowed on us to create and destroy just with a word.
  We pray Your blessing on the innumerable words, opinions, and 
concerns that have been voiced in the last days, weeks, and months, and 
which will be brought forth during the deliberations facing this body 
this week. As the concerns of all parties are placed on the table, cast 
Your light on the decisions to be made, that there would be clarity on 
each issue. Grant Your wisdom that each Member would receive the gift 
of Your discernment, and shed Your grace into the process, that all 
would be inspired to act with the graciousness You have shown us.
  Remind all of us of all You have done for us as a nation. Charge us 
each to avoid unrelated controversy and unprofitable argument, but to 
commit ourselves to thoughtful speech and careful consideration of each 
concern.
  In this prayer, we dedicate ourselves to the building up of this body 
and the goodness of this country. In You alone do we trust. May this 
day reflect our confidence in Your guidance in all our endeavors.
  In the strength of Your name, we pray.
  Amen.

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