[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S11395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain, Dr. Charles Lever, Lake Magdalene United 
Methodist Church, Tampa, FL, offered the following prayer:
  Almighty God, You know the desires of our hearts, the burdens we 
bear, and the temptations we confront. Awaken us anew to Your way, that 
our hearts may be made pure, our burdens lightened, and our will made 
steadfast in confrontation with temptation.
  We pray for our Nation, for we realize the wisdom of the Psalmist who 
wrote, ``Lest the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build 
it.'' We pray for the world, for we know that You are the creator of 
all peoples. As we celebrate our commonality as Your people in this 
global community, we also recognize the great diversity that exists 
between and among us. As the destiny of our Nation is tangled with the 
destinies of other nations, let us seek a world in which we can live 
and work together, always seeking the betterment of people everywhere, 
and never yielding to those who oppress the human spirit.
  Bless these men and women of the U.S. Senate who seek to lead this 
Nation through the challenges of each new day. Grant them Your wisdom 
as they bear the tremendous responsibility for so many, that the 
decisions they render might bring healing and hope to those under their 
care. Empower them to find Your way in the midst of the crossroads of 
life that Your vision and Your kingdom may be first in their minds and 
hearts.
  For Your presence with us in a world which all too often teeters 
between faith and doubt, hope and despair, we give You thanks for Your 
healing and renewal in both our public and private lives. Enable us in 
all our ways to follow after You in the paths of righteousness. We ask 
this, O Lord, in Your name, which is above every name. Amen.

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