[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 24440]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  The celebration of the Columbus Day this year inspired wonder that 
stretches back through centuries and raises questions about the future.
  Lord God, You alone hold the mixed motivations that accomplished Your 
will in the discovery of a new world. As those first explorers retraced 
their path across the sea to their place of origin, they must have been 
filled with dreams of promise and composed descriptions that would stir 
new imaginings and commitment. They had to be unafraid of people's 
questions. Instead, with Your grace, they must have engaged others in 
their new hopes and further adventures.
  As a Nation, Lord, inspire us by their early example. Make bold and 
inquisitive the Members of Congress as they shape a vision of a new 
world. Move them beyond temporary profit and external trade to embrace 
a wealth of ideas and a network of nations, which will form a common 
desire for peace beyond borders and hope for a world of equal justice 
under law and Your guidance.
  This we ask of You, our Firm Foundation and Eternal Hope. Amen.

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