Opening Prayer
03/05/2024
Chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben
Guard both our hearts and our mouths today, O God. Let no thought enter our hearts that may hinder our closeness with You, nor let any word come from our mouths that is not meant for Your hearing. But set a guard over our mouths; keep watch over the door of our lips.
Do not let any unwholesome talk leave our mouths, but only that which is helpful to the value of the institution and the benefit of the people we have been called to serve.
Show us how to speak in such a way that edifies the conversation. Despite our differences, may we vow to benefit those with whom we dialogue.
Inspire us to energize and not jeopardize discussion, to invigorate and not denigrate our interlocutors. May we cultivate dignity and demonstrate respect for all with whom we engage this day.
Encourage us to build one another up, according to their needs, that we may succeed in strengthening the body and repairing the divisions that weaken our purpose to do good works in our service to You and to this country.
O God, our guardian, guide, and stay, abide with us this day, and grant us the blessing of Your divine guidance.
In Your sovereign name we pray. Amen.
Psalm 141:3
Ephesians 4:29
1 Corinthians 14:4