[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 199 (Monday, December 4, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6083]
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:
  Holy God, as we approach the winter of another year, we are reminded 
how quickly time flies and how fleeting our lifetimes. As sobering as 
this thought is, may it not paralyze us but instead propel us to pray 
to appreciate how You have received us into Your gracious and eternal 
plan.
  We pray, then, that in the time we have been given--time with our 
families, in our vocations, in the moments we share--that we would take 
the time to love each other deeply. For all the mistakes we make and 
the missteps we take each day, if we have loved, then through Your 
mercy, all else will fall away.
  May we demonstrate our love through hospitality to those around us, 
offering what we have without grumbling but sharing the gifts You have 
so graciously given us to serve others.
  When we speak today, may we do so as if we are speaking the very 
words that would come from Your mouth. As we serve You, may we do so 
with the strength You alone provide.
  In all things that we attempt and accomplish today, may You be 
pleased with our desire to bring glory to You, for it is in Your 
eternal and gracious name we pray.
  Amen.

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