The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Opening Prayer

06/15/2026
Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben

Great and gracious God, You are greatly to be praised. Try as we may to understand You, to appreciate just how great You are, all our best efforts fall short, for Your greatness is unsearchable.

What we do know––for You have shown us––is how gracious You are. Though undeserving of Your love and attention, we are overwhelmed by Your favor upon us. We are often relieved to discover how slow You are to anger. We are stunned at Your abundant and steadfast loving–kindness toward us.

Your compassion has revealed itself in the multitude of tender mercies You have shown to us and the protection You have afforded us.

Lord, You are good to all. Open our eyes so that we don't miss all the goodness that You offer us. Attune our ears that we will hear even the quiet assurances of Your love.

Let all that You have created give You praise. Let Your people praise You.

In Your eternal name, we pray. Amen.

Psalm 145

Thought of the Week

If I be bound to pray for all that be in distress, surely I am bound, so far as it is in my power, to practice what I pray for. 

—George Herbert

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