The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Opening Prayer

02/24/2021
Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben

By Your mercies, O Lord, we present ourselves to You this day, bringing with us not just diverse attitudes and a range of passions, but deeply held opinions which we truly believe are offered in faith.

We reluctantly admit that it is our faith that confounds us, for as we dare to interpret Your will and attempt to live into Your intent, we find ourselves viscerally at odds with the very ones with whom You have caused us to serve.

Renew our minds, individually and collectively, that we would not be conformed to the divisive patterns of this world but transformed by Your grace. May we not think so highly of ourselves that we fail to be reasonable or use careful judgment. Remind us that as Members of this
one body, we are called to live in peace, to be thankful, to admonish in love.

Then together, in faith, enable us to discern Your will to determine what really is good, pleasing, and appropriate for our country, for our community, and for our Congress.

We offer ourselves, our words and deeds, praying in Your most holy name. Amen.