[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2388]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain, Dr. Terry Harter, offered the following prayer:
  Almighty God, What is a nation without You? Indeed, who are we 
without You at the center of our lives? What value is all that we know, 
vast accumulation though it be, but a chipped fragment if we do not 
know You, Author of wisdom? What is the sum of all our stirring and 
working, even in this mighty Chamber, but a half-finished work if we do 
not know You, Creator of galaxies, and Star-spark of life within us?
  We know, Lord of all nations, that You have always taken more than a 
passing interest in the ways and works of all those women and men to 
whom You have granted stewardship of government and leadership in the 
nations of the world.
  So it is, that at the beginning of this day, we pray for all who 
serve here; from the President pro tempore and Senators, to the pages 
and staff, from the reporters and Capitol police to the people who 
raise the flags over us.
  We call upon You, Gracious God, that these persons whom You love may 
on this day be encountered by the glad surprise of Your Grace, and come 
to know You in the midst of their work on bahalf of the Nation.
  Today, in the press of the calendar and stress of the schedule; grant 
them moments of Your peace.
  Today, under the burden of issues which rearrange human destiny: 
grant them a clear vision of Your zeal for truth and justice.
  Today, amidst the seductiveness of their power; grant them courage to 
live and work on the side of Your power.
  Today, as they labor here, guard their families, heal their wounds, 
restore their relationships to health.
  And as the day wanes, revive their sagging spirits and forgive their 
shortcomings. Turn them away from the temptation of bitterness and 
blame, so that in the darkest hour of the night they might trust Your 
ever-present redeeming grace and come to know that You love them. O 
Lord of all nations, hear our prayer. Amen.

                          ____________________