[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 19137]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The guest Chaplain, Dr. James D. Miller, offered the following 
prayer:
  Let us pray together.
  Almighty God, who flings galaxies into space, who plays with quarks 
and quasars--how stunning it is, as the prophet Isaiah puts it: that 
You call us each by name, and we are Yours.--43:1.
  It's because of such grace, O God, that we choose to begin our work 
this day by commending these Senators, their families, and those who 
work most closely with them into Your care. And as we do, we remember 
especially those here today who come from home carrying personal 
burdens that have little to do with the pressures of public service. 
You know our individual needs, O God. Wrap Your arms around those who 
find this day difficult; surprise them with Your life-giving grace and 
strength.
  Grant these Senators a heart for the people whom they serve, 
especially those Americans whose hopes are diminished today, whose 
dreams constricted, who wonder if there's any voice that really speaks 
on their behalf.
  We thank You for blessings that come through those who serve with 
energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. Grant these leaders 
humility in discourse, courage to follow convictions, and wisdom to be 
led by conscience. May they be honoring of one another, and may the 
work done here bring honor supremely to You, Sovereign Lord, before 
whom all of us will one day stand and give account.
  We offer our prayers from the different faith traditions in which we 
live, and as a Christian I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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