[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1411]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain, Father Daniel Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  All powerful God and Father of all the living, yesterday's holiday 
brought to mind the wise words of Rabbi Abraham Heschal:

       Martin Luther King Jr. is a voice, a vision and a way. I 
     call upon every Jew to hearken to his voice, to share his 
     vision, to follow in his way. The whole future of America 
     will depend on the impact and influence of Dr. King.

  Today in this awesome Chamber I call upon Americans of all faiths to 
join in praying for the Members of the Senate as they face the future 
of America. Together let us continue to hearken to his voice, share his 
vision, and follow in his way. By Your grace may Dr. King's dream for 
America become a reality.
  In these troublesome times, awaken in the soul of this country the 
lasting political implications of religious beliefs. Encircle us with 
Your light that we may be unafraid to address the racism, militarism, 
and materialism etched in routine structures of our day--and so become 
truly free at last. As Your free children lead us to seek first Your 
kingdom and justice for all our brothers and sisters, proud to be one 
Nation under God now and forever. Amen.

                          ____________________