[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 51 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H3651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page H3651]]

  The House met at 10 a.m.
  The Reverend Dr. Ronald F. Christian, Office of the Bishop, 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Washington, DC, offered the 
following prayer:
  Almighty God, on this day, when our thoughts are focused on the 
violence that is all about us, we remember, reflect, and give thanks 
for individuals, young and old, who innocently lost their lives as a 
result of that violence. When a Cain kills an Able, we must confess 
that all of humanity is less because of it and all of humanity is 
pained from the act.
  From shootings on city streets to the horrors of bombings bringing 
great loss of life and grief to people, our hearts cry out, Why, O God, 
Why?
  With violence so commonplace, hatred so prevalent, anger so much a 
part of our lives, we must pray, O God, for a new understanding of Your 
peace.
  We pray for a peace that will allow the lion and lamb to lie down 
together.
  And, we pray for a peace where brother or sister will not again 
willfully or maliciously harm another human creature in Your kingdom.
  So, for a few moments, as the work of the day begins in this place, 
we let our souls speak to You, O God, in words and thoughts that rise 
up in our innermost being. May the moments and our quiet personal 
expressions be a fitting tribute to the many who died a year ago and 
throughout this year as a result of humanity's violence. May our 
thoughts be also prayers for all those who now are left only with 
memories. Let us each in our own way remember and pray.
  Hear our prayers, O Lord. Amen.

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