The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Opening Prayer

07/13/2026
Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben

Holy and wise God, grant our hearts wisdom. May we receive your Word and heed your instruction, that what we intend for this day would prosper in accordance with your will.

May we trust in you, O Lord, that we would bear the fruit of the guidance you provide as we labor in this place.

Grant us as well the gift of discernment and the support of your strength and encouragement. So that, as challenging as it may seem, we would speak your truth and do what is right in your sight.

From the fountain of life that you graciously provide, may we learn prudence. Then may the meditations of our hearts and the words of our mouths prove judicious and useful, keeping us from the influence of our folly. Today, may the lives we live and the words we speak be led by the hand of your instruction, that we may teach others of your wisdom and will.

In your sovereign name we pray, amen.

Proverbs 16:20–24

Thought of the Week


Although guided by our excellent Constitution in the discharge of official duties, and actuated, through the whole course of my public life, solely by a wish to promote the best interests of our country; yet, without the beneficial interposition of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, we could not have reached the distinguished situation which we have attained with such unprecedented rapidity. To HIM, therefore, should we bow with gratitude and reverence, and endeavor to merit a continuance of HIS special favors.  

—George Washington
1797 letter to John Adams

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