[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 56 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S4071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain, Dr. Jack C. Bishop, Jr., pastor, First Baptist 
Church, Waynesville, NC, offered the following prayer:
  Our gracious Lord, Your word declares, ``They that wait upon the Lord 
shall renew their strength.'' You summon us to reverence and honor this 
day as in every day. By seeking Your wisdom, we can make wise and fair 
choices. By trusting Your love and justice, we can aspire to a 
democracy that protects and provides for all citizens. By accepting 
Your forgiveness and grace, we can be forgiving and graceful ourselves. 
What a blessed Nation we are!
  In the stillness of Your power and glory, may Your spirit prevail 
upon these national leaders. Give them the steady assurance of Your 
will and goodness in the most complex of matters they will consider 
this day. Give them devout courage, humility, and vision for their 
tasks. Give them fantastic energy from their fellow citizens who wear 
no badge of honor but who pray for them every day. Protect the Senators 
from disillusionment and invigorate them with the progress of Your 
righteousness. Let them see Your glory when people freely do good and 
serve others. Let the nations see the glory of the God-given democracy 
where equality and justice abound.
  O Lord, we are particularly mindful of the grieving community in 
Littleton, CO, and the burdens of our Nation considering war. Deliver 
our world from violence and war that through You we might be 
peacemakers and keepers.
  Thank You for the gifts of these national leaders, their service to 
our Nation, and their faith in You. Be with their families and let them 
all feel appreciated. O God, You are the Author of liberty, both now 
and forevermore. In Your holy name. Amen.

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