[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 126 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S9653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain offered the following prayer:
  In these most challenging of times, may this parable from Jewish 
tradition provide inspiration and guidance to you, the distinguished 
Senators of our wonder-filled country.
  A man, wandering lost in a dark forest for several days, finally 
encounters another. He calls out: ``Brother, show me the way out of 
here.''
  The man replies: ``Brother, I too am lost. I can only tell you this: 
the paths I have tried to get out of this forest have led me nowhere. 
They have only led me astray. Here, take hold of my hand, and let us 
search for a way out of this dark place together.''
  ``And so it is with us,'' the author of the parable concludes. ``When 
we go our separate ways, we may go astray. Let us join hands and look 
for the path out of the darkness together.''
  Dear God, inspire those gathered in this historic chamber to walk on 
the path of freedom, respect, and solidarity together in to the light 
of a sun-filled day.
  Imbue them with Your wise guidance, tremendous strength, and awesome 
courage. Together may we better pursue the high ideals of liberty, 
justice, and equality for all upon which this, our great Nation, is 
founded.
  Lift up Thy countenance upon us, and grant us Thy most precious of 
blessings, the gift of shalom, balance, and peace. Amen.

                          ____________________