[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 22114]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  Lord of history, we know You were with the Framers of our 
Constitution. Be with us here and now.
  Be present to Your people across this Nation as they gather for 
community affairs, business and to pray.
  The strength of this Nation has always been shown in its spirit. This 
free society is always at its best when in the face of diversity or 
adversity, we show tolerance, understanding, and compassion.
  Before You, the task of building strong relationships comes from 
honest communication rooted in the silence of deep convictions. Trust 
grows with kind words and consistent behavior.
  Mindful of our freedom, let us choose to water the seeds of 
tolerance, understanding and compassion in ourselves and in our 
children.
  Then we will become the people the Founders envisioned and become a 
sign of hope for the world.
  You, Lord, hold us together in the present moment and forever.
  Amen.

                          ____________________