[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 16, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page S3337]]

  The Senate met at 9:45 a.m. and was called to order by the President 
pro tempore [Mr. Thurmond].
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Today's prayer will be offered by Bishop 
Kenneth Ulmer, of the Faithful Central Missionary Baptist Church in Los 
Angeles, CA.
  We are pleased to have you with us.
                                 F_____


                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain, Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer, offered the following 
prayer:
  O God our help in ages past; our strength, our hope, our joy for 
years to come. Father, we give You thanks and praise for the 
consistency of Your faithfulness. Morning by morning You have showered 
us with new mercies and new expressions of Your grace, and for that we 
say thank You. As Jehovah Shalom You have given us Your peace in a 
world of confusion. As Jehovah Jireh You have provided us with the 
riches of Your grace and mercy. As Jehovah Rohi, You have been the 
great shepherd of this Nation. Lord, give us the ability to acknowledge 
the possibility of our own error, patience that we might listen to 
opposing opinions, and wisdom to learn from one another. Give us 
honesty that we might speak the truth in love and strength that we 
might not falter in the quest for truth and justice. Keep us humbled by 
the limitations of our own perspectives and encouraged by the magnitude 
of divine vision. When the tensions of our democracy would tend to 
divide us, keep us constantly aware of Your omnipotent ability to make 
us one as we celebrate the diversity within our unity. May we sense the 
sacredness of our call to leadership. O God, may integrity and 
uprightness preserve this Nation. As we faithfully serve its people may 
we so faithfully serve You. In the name of our Lord. Amen.

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