[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 106 (Thursday, September 9, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain offered the following prayer:
  Heavenly Creator, bestow Thy blessings upon those assembled here who 
have accepted the sacred responsibility to legislate within these 
hallowed halls of the United States Senate to preserve and to foster 
the noble ideals of our sanctified democracy.
  Grant that these deliberations will be ruled by wisdom, purpose, and 
dedication. Thou, O Lord, have taught us through the words of the 
prophet Malachai: ``Have we not all one Father? Hath not one G-d 
created us all? Why do we deal treacherously, every man against his 
brother?'' Grant us the resolve to serve as Thy partners to eradicate 
anger, hunger, and bigotry from our human family. Imbue us with 
commitment to sow the seeds that will turn selfishness into civility, 
hatred into harmony, loathing into love, and bigotry into blessing. 
Help us always to work for the lost, the least, the last, and the 
lonely. May we remain committed to work with renewed energy to elevate 
the status and dignity of all of Thy children so that all can enjoy the 
blessings and benefits of our bountiful society. Amen.

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