[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 54 (Friday, May 6, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The Reverend Richard C. Halverson, Jr., of Falls Church, VA, offered 
the following prayer:
  Let us pray:
  As we go to prayer this morning, due to the significance of this 
weekend, it is appropriate for us to take a moment to reflect upon 
someone who we all have in common--our mothers. And, as we prayerfully 
reflect upon our mothers, remember the words of Abraham Lincoln, who 
once said, ``All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.'' 
But, perhaps the most beautiful words come from Hebrew Scripture in 
praise of a virtuous woman.
  Hear now the Word of the Lord:
  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The 
heart of her husband doth safely trust her * * * She will do him good 
and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and 
worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she 
bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and 
giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She 
considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she 
planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and 
strengtheneth her arms * * * She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; 
yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of 
the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with 
scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk 
and purple * * * Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall 
rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her 
tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her 
household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, 
and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many 
daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is 
deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she 
shall be praised.--Proverbs 31:10-31; select verses. Amen.

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