[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 18121]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Reverend Walter R. Rossi, Associate Rector, The Basilica of the 
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., offered 
the following prayer:
  God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in distress.
  Lord, in times of trepidation, we look to You for comfort and 
strength.
  Your consolation is known to us through the compassion and self-
giving of our citizens. Your strength is realized in our Nation's 
spirit of unity and patriotism.
  We turn to You in trust, for wisdom and guidance, a wisdom derived 
from reverence and esteem for Your word.
  Preserve our Nation, a beacon of freedom and independence, a model of 
charity and forbearance.
  Give this legislative body inspiration, certitude and right judgment. 
Direct our President and his administration with a spirit of prudence 
and fortitude.
  May their actions be undertaken with zeal and tempered with concern.
  Protect the men and women of our Nation's Armed Forces. May those who 
defend and preserve this great land of promise know the assurance of 
Your vigilant care.
  Have compassion on us all, and show mercy in our limitations as we 
forever strive to ensure Your blessings of life, liberty, and the 
pursuit of happiness for all peoples. Amen.

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