The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Opening Prayer

11/05/2024
Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben

Sovereign God, You uphold the universe by Your powerful word. Sustain this Nation with Your righteous promises.

Eternal Lord, the times and seasons are subject to Your control. Kings and empires are established and removed at Your direction. Direct this Republic and its leaders on paths of mercy and truth.

In these days of our country's decisions, give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who yield themselves to Your authority, for You alone rule our days. You alone have established our paths. Into the care of Your righteous right hand, we offer our future.

Silence the debates which have drowned out Your divine assurance that You alone know what we need. Forgive our paralyzing anxiety, our overwhelming uncertainty. Pardon us for failing to heed Your clear reassurance that we need only seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness.

Show us what mercy looks like, that we would share it with one another when the fervor of this contest subsides.

Grant us Your grace in these days and Your peace in the living of them.  Amen.

Thought of the Week

The eternal law of righteousness ordains that he who will not submit to God’s sweet rule shall suffer the bitter tyranny of self, but he who wears the easy yoke and light burden of love will escape the intolerable weight of his own self–will.

—Bernard of Clairvaux

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