[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 64 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The Reverend Dr. Greg Mathis of Mud Creek Baptist Church, 
Hendersonville, NC, offered the following prayer:
  Let us pray:
  Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of prayer. In obedience 
to You, I lift up the leaders of our country who are in positions of 
authority and responsibility. Remind each of us this day that all 
wisdom begins with You. Help us, O Lord, to work this day to protect 
our heritage, to find common ground for the present, and to have a 
vision for the future. May this be our purpose. Heavenly Father, guide 
us to give careful thought to our ways. Grant special insight to our 
leaders to anything that would threaten our country. Give integrity to 
them today as they hear, speak, think, and decide. Give them initiative 
to accomplish something for the good of all. Remind us, O Lord, that 
You are sovereign. May Your word be our standard of righteousness. May 
Your love be our example of kindness. May the wonderful salvation You 
offer to us through Your son, Jesus Christ, find acceptance. Heavenly 
Father, I pray that everything that transpires here this day will be 
pleasing to You and in accordance with Your will. This I pray in the 
name of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. Amen.

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