[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H1]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page H1]]

  This being the day fixed by the 20th amendment of the Constitution of 
the United States, and Public Law 104-296 for the meeting of the 
Congress of the United States, the Members-elect of the 105th Congress 
met in their Hall, and at 12 noon were called to order by the Clerk of 
the House of Representatives, Hon. Robin H. Carle.
  The Chaplain, Rev. James David Ford, D.D., offered the following 
prayer:
  Oh, gracious God, from whom we have come and to whom we belong, we 
offer this prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude for all the blessings 
You have freely bestowed on us and the people of this Nation, and also 
for the responsibilities that You have entrusted to those who serve in 
this place.
  On this first day of a new Congress, we speak with the words of the 
Psalmist: Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His steadfast 
love endures forever. Grant us, oh God, a keen awareness of the areas 
of life where we can serve the people of the land, and, as the 
scripture says, let justice flow down as waters and righteousness like 
an ever flowing stream.
  May we continue to build on the foundations laid down from the early 
days of the Nation, that in all things we may do justice, love mercy, 
and ever walk humbly with you.
  May Your benediction, oh God, that is new every morning and is with 
us all the days of our lives, be upon all who serve in this place now 
and evermore, amen.

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