[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 161 (Monday, October 2, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4939]
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, You came near when we called You. In these recent days 
of dispute, disagreement, and deliberation, when we called to You, You 
spoke. In our distress, You upheld us, declaring to our hearts, ``Do 
not fear.'' Thank You for Your abiding presence and the assurance of 
Your protections in the midst of our turmoil.
  Just God, last week You heard our troubles and took up our case. 
Rightly dividing requirement from embellishment, clarifying necessity 
from excess, and guiding the way through competing concerns, You 
redeemed our concerted attempts to uphold the stewardship of our 
country's resources and the trusteeship of our government's 
responsibilities.
  Sovereign God, set the course this week that these Members can 
navigate the way ahead with Your leadership. Shed Your light on the 
path that both their debate and their decisions would reflect Your 
wisdom, Your compassion, and Your forbearance.
  We call on Your name, O Lord, from the depths of all that we have 
endured and with the whole of our very being. Do not close Your ears to 
our cry for Your direction.
  Amen.

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