[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16037]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  Almighty God, as we gather here to execute the function of our 
responsible positions, we are reminded of Your generosity in blessing 
us with this great Nation of vast human and natural resources and count 
it a privilege to live and serve here.
  We lift before You today these women and men who lead our Senate and 
express gratitude for their labors. We pray for our President, the 
President of this Senate, Members of this Senate, and all who serve 
with them. May they serve with compassion and hope. Empower them to 
realize their potential in this service.
  May all who serve here carry both the privileges and burdens of 
authority with well-founded responsibility and duty. May they use their 
influence with honor and dignity and serve to be examples to citizenry 
wherever they travel so that all with whom they come in contact may 
realize that service to our Creator and humanity is an honorable work 
of life. May concrete and effective help be delivered from the votes on 
various issues and encouragement for those who are attempting to 
provide a better life for all.
  We pray for wisdom, sensitivity, clarity of vision, and a correct 
perspective which avoids superficial or temporary solutions. We express 
gratitude for all who make a positive impact in our world, those who 
lead, build, and contribute to make a difference.
  We pray for the families of those who serve in this Senate and ask 
for a measure of strength and grace for them to cope during their 
separation and a sense of joy when they are reunited. May all who serve 
here temper their toil with periods of rest, refreshment, and 
recreation, and may the spirit of peace and goodwill be the order of 
the day for this U.S. Senate session. Amen.

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