[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 105 (Wednesday, August 3, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  Guest Chaplain Rabbi Maurice Lyons, of St. Louis, MO., offered the 
following prayer:
  Let us pray:
  Our Father of the arching heavens, and undulating Earth, ruling in 
sublimity, from the evolution of the first amoeba, to the glorious 
emergence of man; from the morning-burst of time, to its endless 
mystical haze, Thou art eternal, and all creation palpitates to Thine 
imprint.
  While Thy rulership holds eternal sway over the universe, we, Thy 
transitory children, can but exercise dominion over a portion of this 
small planet, Thy footstool.
  Ever since the founding of our beloved country, have we Americans 
permeated Thy teaching throughout our Government, for the benefit of 
all our citizens. And, to this end, have we selected, for regnancy, 
those leaders whom we felt would embrace Thine exhortation of love, 
mercy, and brotherhood.
  And, standing in the effulgence of Thy Shekinah, I feel uplifted by 
the presence of this august body--the finest of all legislative 
instruments--in supplication to Thee.
  I pray that Thou render sharp and universal, the wisdom of our 
esteemed Senators, that it reach, therapeutically, across party lines 
and political differences, to our common, bedrock American heritage.
  In the reverential language of King Solomon to the God of Israel, I, 
too, humbly pray: Grant, O Lord, to each of our beloved Senators, a 
``discerning heart, to understand between right and wrong.'' May their 
speech and, above all, action, reflect the altruism and glory of the 
Founders of our great country.
  And, in conclusion, I rejoice in pronouncing over this esteemed 
legislative body, the ancient priestly benediction:
  ``May the Lord bless you, and keep you;
  ``May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto 
you:
  ``May the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and grant you 
peace.''--Nu. 6:24-26.
  Peace of heart; peace of mind; peace in all the paths you may tread, 
now and forever. Amen.

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