[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The Chaplain, Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, offered the following prayer:
  Lord of creation, You have written Your signature in the bursting 
beauty of this magnificent spring morning in our Nation's Capital. The 
breathtaking splendor of the cherry blossoms are about to blanket the 
city with fairyland wonder. The daffodils and crocuses have opened to 
express Your glory. Now Lord, tune our hearts to join with all of 
nature in singing Your praise.
  We thank You for the rebirth of hope that comes with this season of 
renewal and resurrection. You remind us, ``Behold I make all things 
new.'' As the seeds and bulbs have germinated in the earth, so You have 
prepared us to burst forth in newness of life. We forget the former 
things and claim Your new beginnings for us. Help us to accept Your 
forgiveness and become giving and forgiving people. Clean out the 
hurting memories of our hearts so that we may be open channels for Your 
vibrant, creative spirit as we tackle problems and grasp the 
possibilities of this day.
  Lord, we want to live this day in the flow of Your grace. We put You 
and truth first, our Nation and its future second, and our party third. 
Help us not to reverse the order. For the sake of the future of our 
beloved Nation and by Your power, through our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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