[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8001]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain offered the following prayer:
  Let us pray.
  Lord God, Sovereign of the universe and giver of holy love to each 
person, receive our thanks for the gift of this day, the opportunity we 
have to be alive, mobile, well fed and clothed, and gathered with 
purpose. Help us, we humbly pray, that each of us live in concert with 
Your purpose of mercy and justice, love and grace. We also thank You 
for ordaining government in the human family so that the human 
community might live with order, dignity, respect, and care under Your 
design and will.
  Thank You for those who serve in the Senate as elected Members and as 
staff. You have placed upon them all an awesome responsibility, so we 
ask You to give them comparable discernment, courage, and concern for 
their calling. Bless all who work within these walls that Your Spirit 
may inspire, guide, and prod each one to serve You first. Bless also 
those citizens who will visit the gallery today, observing the workings 
of Government and the deliberations of this body. Thank You for their 
interest, and may they be able to perceive Your hand at work in the 
discussions and decisions of the United States Senate.
  This world faces tremendous challenges, O Lord of the nations. Please 
give to all, especially those who bear the responsibility of office 
here and elsewhere, the patience necessary to seek harmonious 
resolution of those challenges. Hear our prayer and give ear to our 
supplications. Amen.

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