On Monday, Senate Chaplain Barry Black delivered a striking prayer, urging lawmakers to recognize that there are no “gold medals” for setting records in government shutdowns.

“Eternal God, our king, when future generations ask what we were doing during the 119th Congress and the infamous shutdown, let our answers not be: ‘I was instrumental in setting a new shutdown record,’ ‘I ignored the better angels of my nature,’ or ‘I neglected Matthew 7:12, which teaches, ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you,’” Black declared in the Senate.

He continued, “This principle encapsulates the teachings of the law and prophets. Lord, remind our legislators that accolades are not awarded for prolonging shutdowns, but a crown of righteousness awaits those who care for the marginalized.”

Political strategists and pollsters from both the Democratic and Republican sides recognize the shutdown as an increasing liability, potentially prompting congressional leaders to seek a resolution soon.

The largest union of federal workers is advocating for an end to the shutdown. On Monday, Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), stated it is “time” for Congress to immediately pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government.

“No half measures, and no gamesmanship,” Kelley said. “Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay — today.

According to its website, the AFGE represents over 800,000 workers in “nearly every” federal government agency.