[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 498]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  Lord God, ever present to Your people and closest to those in most 
need of Your mercy, we commend to You this day the Members of the 
United States House of Representatives with all their prayerful 
concerns.
  Last week both Republican and Democratic Members set time aside to be 
on retreat, Lord.
  As they drew away from the daily routine to gain deeper perspective, 
hopefully Your presence was made known to them.
  As they examined issues facing this Nation and they crafted plans for 
the future, unexpectedly, Your provident love lifted their hearts to 
greater service to Your people.
  As they became more aware of different opinions and the many 
possibilities open to achieve a common purpose, surprisingly Your 
spirit invited them to be respectful of others in every debate, patient 
in listening, as well as committed to finding solid resolve.
  May personal convictions always be refined when civility reigns.
  May partisan formulations always give way to what You require of this 
Nation.
  For You are the eternal guide and strength for each Member personally 
and for the House as a whole both now and forever. Amen.

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