‘Lord, Remind Our Lawmakers…’ Senate Chaplain Calls Out Congress — Prays for End to Shutdown in Stunning Floor Remarks

Sarah RumpfOct 27th, 2025, 7:09 pm
 

The Senate chaplain appealed directly to the Almighty in his prayer to open the session on Monday, asking God to “remind our lawmakers” of the consequences of continuing the government shutdown.

The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1. One looming consequence is scheduled for Nov. 1, when Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, are set to run out.

With both Republicans and Democrats blaming the other side and neither appearing close to finding a resolution, divine intervention may be needed.

Retired Rear Admiral Barry Black led the Senate in prayer after being introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley (R-IA), quoting the “Golden Rule” and urging Senators to “take care” of the less fortunate.

A transcript of his prayer:

Let us pray.

Eternal God, our king, when our children and grandchildren want to know what we were doing in the 119th Congress during the famous shutdown, may we not have to give these answers: I helped set a new record for keeping the government closed. I failed to appeal to the better angels of my nature. I forgot Matthew 7:12, which states, “do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and prophets.

Lord, remind our lawmakers that no gold medals are given for breaking shutdown records, but a crown of righteousness is given to those who take care of the lost, last, and least.

We pray in your loving name, Amen.

Watch the video above via C-SPAN.

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Sarah Rumpf - Contributing Editor

Sarah Rumpf joined Mediaite in 2020 and is a Contributing Editor focusing on politics, law, and the media. A native Floridian, Sarah attended the University of Florida, graduating with a double major in Political Science and German, and earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the UF College of Law. Sarah's writing has been featured at National Review, The Daily Beast, Reason, Law&Crime, Independent Journal Review, Texas Monthly, The Capitolist, Breitbart Texas, Townhall, RedState, The Orlando Sentinel, and the Austin-American Statesman, and her political commentary has led to appearances on television, radio, and podcast programs across the globe. Follow Sarah on Threads, Twitter, and Bluesky.