[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain, the Reverend Dr. George W. Evans, Jr., the 
Redeemer Lutheran Church, McLean, VA, offered the following prayer:
  Let us pray. Holy Father, ever mindful of us, ever with us, of that 
we have been assured. It is true. We spend our days in Your sight. So 
teach us and so guide us that we may be mindful of Your presence.
  In this honored Chamber for debate and decision, where the weight of 
government rests on the minds and hearts of these chosen women and men 
who contend here in the name of all our people, cause Your presence to 
mold what occurs. Intrude, O God, lest these Senators carrying our 
Nation's burdens and responsibilities lose Your voice amid all the 
voices that plead for their attention. If Your voice is still and 
small, give them quiet hearts, peace-filled minds, and receptive souls 
so they may discern Your presence and be drawn to Your ways. Never are 
they apart from You. It is urgent that they have the strength of this 
knowledge. Likewise, protect their homes and loved ones with the 
security of Your presence. Let no press of events, no calendar, no 
clamor for attention, no tumult of the day detract from the plain task 
of pursuing what You call needful, right, and just.
  O God, blessed are You. O God, bless these Senators in this day's 
labors and through them the people of our land. In Your name. Amen.

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