[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 23]
[Senate]
[Page 31780]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the following prayer:
  Eternal and dependable Creator, giver of the abundant harvest, the 
refuge of all who flee to You the helper of those in need and the one 
sure resource in times of trouble. Thank You for harmonizing the world 
with seasons and climates, sowing and reaping, color and fragrance. We 
praise You, for You are the substance that sustains us in each of 
life's seasons. In time's rapid passing, remind us of life's brevity 
and teach us to number our days
  Lord, thank You for all the beauty in our world, for the loveliness 
of earth and sea and sky. Thank You for great music and great books, 
for prose and poetry. Thank You for the nobility You have placed in 
human hearts, for our military people who love their country until even 
self is forgotten. Thank You for Senators who struggle with complex 
issues and labor for a world at peace.
  Thank you for loved ones without whom life would never be the same. 
Lord, thank You also for obstacles, delays, challenges, trials, and 
even enemies that make us stronger. Above all, thank You for Your gift 
of salvation.
  Accept this our sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise, for the sake of 
Your glorious name. Amen
  

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