[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 56 (Monday, April 30, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain, Rev. Richard Foth, offered the following prayer:
  We stand in Your presence today, Almighty God, in awe of Your 
creation. No season reflects Your heart like springtime, with its 
songbirds and cherry blossoms, old memories and young love. Just 
outside this building, all nature shouts Your glory, Your grace, and 
Your creative power.
  But, we need Your grace and creativity here, too, in this Chamber. 
For, in the lives of 100 Senators, we see men and women with whom we 
have something in common. Though elected to govern us, many grapple as 
we do in balancing work with family. They have spouses and children and 
grandchildren whom they love and dream for. On this spring afternoon, 
we ask Your blessings on the families of these public servants. Give 
them perspective and patience and protection. Where pain is real or 
frustration mounts, wrap them in Your arms, we pray, and hold them with 
a grip like all eternity.
  As for the business of this week, we ask wisdom. Debate will be 
intense about money and programs. Differences will show up quickly and 
good thinkers will speak strong words in strong ways. Give our chosen 
leaders grace to bring more light than heat to the Senate floor in the 
next 4 days and, in so doing, to move us ahead as a nation.
  In the springtime of 2001, let the actions of this body help us to 
know one more time that we really are ``one Nation under God, 
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.''
  We ask these things in that name which is above every name. Amen.

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