[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 17, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H10437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 PRAYER

  The Reverend Robert McConnell, Presbytery of Lake Michigan, Brighton, 
MI, offered the following prayer:
  In this Nation of gifted and talented people, we are particularly 
thankful for the men and women who honor this House with the courage of 
their convictions, the spirit of their debate, the toughness of their 
minds, and the will to succeed in the name of their country.
  As pressures mount in the next few weeks, we ask Thee, O Lord, to pay 
special attention to these our public servants. Give them that serenity 
of mind and spirit that seldom knows defeat. Inspire them to travel the 
high road of hope so that, by their example, we can sense, too, the 
higher calling of service to others. And grant them wisdom that will 
reflect on the greatness of our country--this land of unlimited 
horizons for all.
  Now hear the calls, Lord, for an even better America, an America that 
knows no limits to the values of opportunity, justice, and liberty. Let 
our leadership help fashion us into an even stronger union of spirit 
and mind with respect for one another's differences. And may bridges be 
built to heal divisions among us as we do our best to follow the 
prophet's words ``* * * to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk 
humbly with Thee.''
  And so, great God, continue to give the Members of this House the 
grace to stand up for what is noble and just and the hope to see fresh, 
new visions for this land of freedom.
  This is our hope. This is our prayer. We ask this in Thy name. Amen.

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