[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17833]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Reverend David O. Jones, Headmaster, Heritage Covenant Schools, 
Franklin, Tennessee, offered the following prayer:
  Lord God Almighty, we rejoice in You, that Your word is truth, that 
You are faithful in all Your works, that You love righteousness and 
justice.
  By Your word the heavens and the Earth were created. You formed man 
out of the dust and set him, both male and female, to carry Your image. 
You have fashioned our hearts individually, and You look upon the 
inhabitants of the Earth and You have blessed us.
  But, Lord, in our rebellion we insist on trusting in our own purposes 
and works. Father, forgive us. We do not realize the gravity of our sin 
or the destruction wrought by our pride.
  As we are confronted with the anniversary of the horrors of the 11th 
of September, 2001, give us an assurance of Your grace and mercy. Allow 
us the ability to know the presence of Your Holy Spirit. And for every 
victim of terrorism, both civilian and military, and their families, 
grant healing and peace.
  With the Psalmist we pray, Lord, be our strength, our defense, our 
refuge in the day of trouble.
  In the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, grant us the 
ability to think and act in truth, with justice and mercy. Amen.

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