[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4041]
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:
  Gracious God, in this summer season, when many have opportunity to 
take time with friends and family to enjoy rest and relaxation, we pray 
that in the August recess that is before this body that You would grant 
to our legislators respite to their bodies, counsel to their spirits, 
and renewal to their souls.
  When year-round so much draws so necessarily yet heavily on their 
energy and attention, grant them opportunity in these coming weeks to 
allow their minds and their souls to pause from their grueling 
schedules. In the quiet of these moments, may they listen for Your 
voice, yield their wills to Your will, and realign their priorities to 
Your desired direction for their efforts.
  Remind the rest of us, too, to take Sabbath from the onslaught of 
news and media. Silence our desire for the buzzing of the latest sound 
bite or the thrill of the hottest political contest. Give us pause from 
the critique and analysis and inspire in us the compassion and concern 
for those whom we have elected to carry the heavy mantle of 
responsibility of governing our Nation. May we dedicate this break in 
the congressional grind to pray for the health and welfare of our 
leadership.
  May all who labor and who are heavy laden come to You in this season 
and always, that in You they would find rest for their bodies and peace 
in their souls.
  To You be the glory as we offer ourselves and our prayers to You.
  Amen.

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