[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and every wonderful 
thing under the heavens, as the House of Representatives comes to order 
for legislative business today, we are mindful of our Jewish brothers 
and sisters as they ``gather together with joy and happiness'' for the 
feast of Purim.
  The ancient prayer of Esther echoes in our prayer because of the 
circumstances surrounding our Nation now:
  ``Lord, our King, You alone are God. Help us. At times we feel alone 
and have no help but You. As children we learned from the people of 
this land and our founders that You, O Lord, chose us from among all 
peoples, and that You would fulfill all Your promises to them.
  ``Be mindful of us, O Lord, and manifest Yourself in this time of 
distress and give us courage.
  ``King of gods and ruler of every power, put in our mouths persuasive 
words. O God, more powerful than all, hear the voice of Your people in 
need. Save us from the power of the wicked and deliver us from all our 
fears.''
  In the end, Lord, You granted Your people victory and they rejoice to 
this very day. Amen.

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