The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Opening Prayer

09/15/2026
Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben

This is the day that you, O Lord, have made, and we are graced to receive it. Your gift is beyond measure. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for your lovingkindness today and always.

Grant then that we use this day meaningfully, rejoicing in the opportunities you set before us, glad in the knowledge that you have entrusted us with the stewardship of the gift of life and offered us the privilege of serving you in the work we do here in this United States House of Representatives.

Let us then consider the time we are given to be not our own, but yours. Make every minute serve as our response to you. Ensure that every conversation we have reflects our love for you. May every task completed glorify you that all may see that what is marvelous in our eyes is, in fact, what you, O Lord, have accomplished in the generosity of the grace and mercy you have shown to us.

In your sovereign name, we pray. Amen.

Psalm 118:23–24

Thought of the Week

Never in peace or war, commit your virtue of your happiness to the future. Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long–term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment “as to the Lord”. It is only our daily bread that we are encouraged to ask for. The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.

—C.S. Lewis

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