[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 318]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  Lord God, as a Nation make us strong in virtue and in our desire to 
do what You require of us as Your people.
  Increase our faith, that our defense may be secure and that we may be 
forthright in the face of enemies.
  At the same time hold us in Your truth, that we may never be arrogant 
in the sight of others but one with them in facing the problems of our 
times and most caring to those who are suffering, in most need of Your 
mercy and our attention.
  As justice guides our conscience, may compassion draw our hearts to 
Your charting the course of history.
  Bless the Members of Congress today and every day of this session.
  Be with all those whom they will welcome to this Chamber this 
evening.
  Guide and protect the President of the United States as he speaks to 
this body and this Nation. May Your Spirit inspire him as he describes 
the state of our Union and does all in his power to strengthen the soul 
of this Nation.
  Led by Divine Providence since the founding of this great Nation, we 
place our trust in You, O Lord, for our destiny and our lasting peace 
are in Your hands above all, now and forever. Amen.

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