[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 22 (Friday, February 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S2075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 prayer

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Richard C. Halverson, D.D., offered the 
following prayer:
  Let us pray:
  My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in 
weakness.--II Corinthians 12:9.
  Gracious Heavenly Father, often when we need Thee most, we find it 
hardest to come to Thee. Sometimes we do not come because we are 
impressed with our strength and do not feel any need. Sometimes we do 
not come because we have failed or sinned and refuse to admit our need. 
Either way, it is pride which deprives us of Thy favor. Forgive us, 
Lord, for finding it so difficult to understand the meaning of grace, 
that grace means the unmerited favor of God.
  Help us see that the one condition grace requires is admission of 
need; that it is our weakness which qualifies us for Thy strength; that 
it is our lack of wisdom which qualifies us for Thy light and truth; 
that it is our failure and sin which qualify us for Thy love, 
forgiveness, and renewal.
  Loving God, we have no secrets from Thee. Thou knowest us far better 
than we know ourselves. Help us to humble ourselves before Thee and 
find in Thy grace a very present help in time of trouble. Touch every 
person in the Senate with grace and love and healing. Forgive and 
restore wherever there is need--in heart and office and home.
  We pray in the name of Him whose grace is always more than 
sufficient, however great our need. Amen.

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