Opening Prayer
01/06/2021
Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben
O God, our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of discord and trouble. Mountains crumble, waters rage, nations roar, and yet we need not be afraid, for even now You abide with us in these times of great discord, uncertainty, and unrest.
We, who have pledged to defend our Constitution against all enemies, we pray Your hedge of protection around this Nation. Defend us from
those adversaries, both foreign and domestic, outside these walls and perhaps within these Chambers, who sow seeds of acrimony to divide
colleagues and conspire to undermine trust in Your divine authority over all things.
The journey of this experiment in democracy is perilous and demanding, fraught with anger and discontent. But wise rulers still seek You.
So help us, God, to find You in the midst of us.
So help us, God, to see Your gracious plan even in the events of these days.
So help us, God, to serve You and this Nation with Godliness and dignity.
We lay before You the gifts of our hopes, our dreams, our deliberations, and our debates, that You would be revealed and exalted among the people.
We pray these things in the strength of Your holy name. Amen.