[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 4, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain offered the following prayer:
  O God, who made Heaven and Earth, we pause in this moment of national 
grief to remember heroes who have gone on before us. We watched a tear 
streak across Heaven's face as Columbia's brave crew gave their lives 
for us all. Into Thy hands we commit their spirits as we recommit 
ourselves to the causes for which they died.
  As they reached for the stars, they touched pioneer places that gave 
us glimpses of Heaven and Earth. So we here on Earth release them into 
Heaven as we say, ``Well done, good and faithful servants.'' Recalling 
the sober days of September 11, we realize how fragile all our lives 
are, and yet how resilient our Nation can be. When our lives come 
apart, You are always there to help us pick up the pieces.
  Pick us up now, Lord. Give us courage and hope for the future that 
lies ahead as we continue to be one people, under God, with liberty and 
justice for all. Amen.

                          ____________________