[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 11706]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The guest Chaplain offered the following prayer:
  Shall we pray.
  Holy Father, we affirm You as Lord of our lives and our Nation. We 
are comfortable to come into Your presence on this special moment 
because You have invited us before Your throne. Gratitude and praise 
flows from our hearts for giving our Nation blessings that would have 
astonished our ancestors.
  Lord, in this historic week, our Nation mourns the death of President 
Ronald Reagan. Father, we celebrate his patriotism, optimism, and 
courage. Bless Mrs. Reagan, her family, and our Nation with peace from 
Your heart.
  And, Father, may we never forget our heritage. Sovereign Lord, we are 
keenly aware that 60 years ago today, heroic men were fighting their 
way off the beaches of Normandy. Lord, we shall never forget places 
like ``Bloody Omaha,'' Carentan, Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Caen, Bastogne. 
Keep in our memory those who fought together and now lie together in 
death that we might be free. Father, may their voices of valor be heard 
in this Chamber in clear, crisp tones.
  Merciful Father, in a world that sometimes drowns out such voices, 
empower the women and men of this great body to hear again words from 
our past: integrity, faith, bravery, sacrifice, and godliness. At this 
special time, I pray that each Senator might recommit to the clarity of 
Your truth, the depth of Your wisdom, and the power of Your love.
  Father, help the Senators to know that many in this Nation pray for 
them and their faithfulness to their most solemn obligations. May they 
bow their knees before You so they may know what is right for our 
country. Lord, sanctify this assembly by dwelling in the hearts of each 
of these respected leaders. May glory, honor, and dominion be Yours 
forever and ever.
  In Your most holy Name. Amen.

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