[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 PRAYER

  The Reverend Paul I. Nussle, Executive Director, Exodus Housing, 
Sumner, Washington, offered the following prayer:
  To everything there is a season. Turn, turn, turn. This is a time for 
every noble purpose under heaven.
  Gracious and Mighty God, as we assemble in this Chamber rich with a 
tradition of freedom and steeped in sacred liberty, grant us clarity to 
see Your presence this day, and courage to place firm reliance on Your 
living Word!
  Still the voices of clamor and turmoil that bring division; counsel 
us in seeking mercy when overzealousness for justice would tear the 
fabric of steadfast love and grace.
  This is the Season and this is the Time when we would again take firm 
hold of the words carved in the podium before us; a rudder for our 
course!
  Peace, liberty, tolerance, justice, union. This is the season and 
this is the time, refreshed from recess, letting go of sorrows and 
yearnings unattained, we come with eagerness to pursue noble ambition.
  Lord, may Your benediction of peace and mercy keep us from hypocrisy 
this day and always. Amen.

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