[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 21 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H653]
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, Source of all life and unconditional love, the House of 
Representatives is a noble institution, which embraces the highest 
aspirations of the Nation's people and embodies its lasting values. 
Today we pray for an end to all forms of child abuse in the human 
family.
  Children are a precious gift. May they always be treated as honored 
treasure. Whether at home, in school or on the streets of this Nation, 
may they always be protected by Your Almighty arm.
  Reach out and with Your Spirit transform the lives of the adults who 
surround the lives of children. Make parents, teachers, community 
leaders, and neighbors all instruments of Your loving protection for 
the children in their midst.
  Create an environment everywhere, in cities and even in the most 
remote areas of this land, a safe place for children to enjoy 
childhood, free from fear and spontaneous with joyous laughter.
  Wipe away the silent tears of Your dearest little ones, tears You 
alone hear of those who suffer abduction, hunger, poverty, neglect, or 
abuse of any kind.
  Send someone of Your own choosing to confront their plight and lift 
them to new life; that they may love life itself and live in a true 
loving relationship with You and with others now and forever. Amen.

                          ____________________