[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The Chaplain, Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, offered the following prayer:
  Almighty God, Lord of new beginnings, we return to the work of the 
Senate after a month of party conventions and political campaigns. As 
we convene, it is difficult not to consider every issue in terms of the 
forthcoming elections. Our differences are sharply focused; the spirit 
of competition runs high; we are tempted to become users of our process 
here to posture our positions. Sometimes our eyes are on the polls and 
not on You, and our passion for winning vies with our passion for 
patriotism.
  In this quiet moment, before we begin this day, and our fall season, 
we deliberately reorder our priorities. We renew our basic commitment 
to seek first Your will, what is best for America, and what will 
glorify You. May these priorities be the basis of our unity. Keep us 
close to You and open to each other. We commit to Your care our friends 
and brother Americans, Bill Clinton and Al Gore, Bob Dole and Jack 
Kemp, as they debate the issues and prepare for the November 
Presidential elections. Watch over their families and surround them 
with Your protection. We ask for Your guidance in dealing with the 
crisis of aggression by Saddam Hussein in the Kurdish zone of northern 
Iraq. Grant us wisdom each step of the way in this strategic situation. 
Through our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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