[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4567]
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:
  Merciful God, how hard it is in these days of contest and contention 
not to keep score. Both outside and inside these Chambers, we are 
hardwired to tally wins and losses, but while this may be the nature of 
things, forgive us when we gloat over our enemy's loss, when we find 
ourselves selfishly satisfied when our opponent stumbles.
  All around us there are countless situations where we find ourselves 
so inclined--internationally, when a hegemonic power suffers not just 
the loss of a certain battlefield advantage, but the devastating 
attrition of its young men and women sacrificed on the front line. In 
war, O God, there is no rejoicing. We pray for peace on both sides of 
the conflict in Ukraine and reconciliation for all who have suffered so 
terribly and unnecessarily.
  So too we pray for ourselves as the battle lines have been drawn 
between parties, and the debate rages on all sides. Remind us once more 
that to disparage our opponent is no less an act of hubris than it is 
to celebrate when our adversary stumbles. Call us to our better 
selves--with hearts and minds governed by the compassion You have shown 
us time and again.
  May Your mercy be our battle standard and Your love the weapon of our 
choosing.
  In the peace we find only in Your name, we pray.
  Amen.

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