[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[House]
[Pages 18814-18815]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  ``You, our God, are good and true, slow to anger and governing all 
with mercy.'' Every moment of time stands before Your living presence.
   Last week contained some accomplishments and a momentary glimpse

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of our place in history. In this Chamber there was a moment of 
rhetorical brilliance and a sense of great purpose. We rejoiced with 
our coalition forces as we mourned the sacred loss of life in Iraq. 
Lord, protect all the troops who struggle to establish stability and 
hope to bring peace to the Middle East.
   Last week also showed the fragile nature of this noble institution 
and revealed such human frailty that it caused great frustration and 
sadness. Help us to always learn from our mistakes lest we be condemned 
to repeat them. Inspire us to set higher standards of communication and 
behavior for ourselves. May we treat others with respect and civility, 
even when under pressure or faced with differing opinions. Empower all 
in this House to live and act as the free and noble children of You, 
our Eternal Father, and may great deeds be accomplished in Your holy 
name. Amen.

                          ____________________