[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 16, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The Chaplain, Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, offered the following prayer:
  Sovereign God of our Nation, we ask You for the supernatural gift of 
wisdom. The Bible tells us wisdom is more precious than rubies, more 
important than riches and honors. Solomon called wisdom a ``tree of 
life to those who lay hold of her.'' Your gift of wisdom enables true 
success, righteousness, justice, and equity. The Talmud reminds us that 
the aim of wisdom is repentance and good deeds. With wisdom, we turn 
our lives back to You in authentic repentance and commit ourselves to 
do and say what You guide.
  Thank You for the clear invitation to receive wisdom given us by 
James, Jesus' brother: ``If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God 
who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given 
him.''--James 1:5.
  Having asked for wisdom, we praise You in advance for the x ray 
vision to see beneath the surface of issues and discern what is Your 
will for us and our beloved Nation. Bless the women and men of this 
Senate with a special measure of wisdom today. Through our Lord and 
Saviour. Amen.

                          ____________________