[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H2397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 PRAYER

  Bishop Vicken Aykazian, The Armenian Church of America, offered the 
following prayer:
  Lord God of creation, we ask Your blessing on the men and women 
gathered here today, all of whom labor in the cause of liberty and 
justice for the people of this great Nation.
  We pray that You will inspire our leaders with wisdom, compassion, 
and resolution in the face of evil. In a time of uncertainty across our 
world, Lord, we seek above all to know and perform Your will. We pray 
that You will remember the precious sacrifices made in the name of 
liberty, that You will shepherd the downtrodden out of the darkness of 
tyranny, and that You will steer our entire world to a new dawn of 
peace and dignity, for all Your children.
  We are aware, Lord, of the solemn occasion approaching us this week 
marking the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Even after four 
generations, the effects of that terrible episode are still felt. We 
ask You to grant rest to the souls of all whose lives were taken and 
bestow Your peace on their descendants.
  Finally, Lord, we thank You for the bounty and liberty of this great 
country of America. Bless this land and her people, so that America may 
continue to be the great beacon of hope to our world.
  For all of these blessings, may Your Name be praised from generation 
to generation. Amen.

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