[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 5, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain, Dr. Charles H. Richmond, national chaplain of the 
American Legion, offered the following prayer.
  Let us pray.
  Almighty God, to You our Creator, Supreme Judge, and God of all 
nature we pray. As we pledge allegiance to our God and the flag of our 
country, may it not be a mere salute to custom or tradition, but a 
sincere desire to know and to follow Thy will. We need not ask for Thy 
presence, because You are always near. Instead we pray that we might 
have receptive hearts and minds, in tune with Thy will, so that we may 
listen to Your voice. The weight of responsibility is heavy. The Holy 
Scripture speaking of government says, ``There is no authority except 
that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been 
established by God * * * for the authorities are God's servants who 
give their full time to governing.'' We give thanks for men and women 
who are willing, able, and committed to government service. Give our 
leaders the continued strength, integrity, courage, and wisdom not only 
to govern, make laws and policies, and direct our Government, but also 
to lead the American people in right living and patriotism. Give us the 
wisdom and conscience to know what is right, and the strength to do 
what is right, that we may truly pray ``God bless America.''
  Mr. NICKLES addressed the Chair.

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