[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 54 (Tuesday, May 5, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H2752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 PRAYER

  Reverend Richard Lothian III, Community Baptist Church of Somerset, 
Somerset, New Jersey, offered the following prayer:
  Let us pray. Heavenly Father, known by many names, we thank You for 
this day and for the lives that You have placed in our care. We come 
before You with full hearts, mindful that we carry the hope and trust 
of a Nation. We rejoice in the blessings of mind and spirit which You 
have freely given us. We understand that these gifts were given for a 
purpose, that we might know and do Your will on earth through love and 
service.
  As we face the tasks before us, help us to feel Your presence in even 
the smallest of things, Your voice in every voice, Your hand in every 
act, Your love in every kindness.
  Dear God, we ask that You will be with us in our deliberations and 
decisions this day. Help us to lead without manipulation, to listen 
without defensiveness, to challenge without anger, and to change 
without fear.
  And may we serve with wisdom and strength those who trust and rest in 
our care, even as we trust and rest in Yours.
  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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