[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 23]
[House]
[Page 32003]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  In this season of expectation and winter surprises, the words of the 
prophet Baruch cut through the ages and blanket the earth:
  ``My people, take off your robe of mourning and lament; put on the 
splendor of glory from God forever: Wrapped in the cloak of justice 
from God, show forth the glory of the Lord's eternal name: For God will 
show all the earth your splendor.''
  Lord our God, be with the Congress of the United States today. May 
its work prove to all, You guide Your people always and are present to 
their deepest needs. By the lasting effects of decisions made here, 
Your splendor, as our judge, will be revealed.
  For You, the Lord, will lead this Nation in joy and fulfillment. By 
the light of Your glory, You will befriend us with mercy and justice 
now and forever. Amen.

                          ____________________