[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 24009]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the following prayer:
  Let us pray:
  Our Father and our God, we come today seeking a deeper understanding 
of Your ways. Life often seems like a difficult riddle, but in spite of 
its challenges, You sustain us with Your majesty and Your 
indestructible love. Lord, forgive us when we think too often of 
ourselves and forget the pain of those around us. Thank You for hearing 
our prayers and for extending Your scepter of mercy. Make us willing to 
pay the price for freedom. May we remember that laudable goals usually 
require real effort and self-denial.
  We bring to You the Members of this body. Empower them to bear the 
weight of responsibility. Give them the desire to honor You. Fill their 
hearts with gratitude for Your unfolding providence. Evaporate their 
fears like the morning mist. Help each of us to walk with our hand in 
Your hand. Remind us that only by doing Your will can we find true 
peace.
  We pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.

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