[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 2051]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                 PRAYER

  The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following 
prayer:
  Lord, our God, You reward the just and hate injustice. You forgive 
those who repent their sins and stir compassion for those who suffer.
  Once again, Lord, during Black History Month, You have brought to 
mind pitiful stories of slavery and the deep yearning of people to be 
free.
  With the craft of mass communication and the skill of good teachers, 
You have brought to life again powerful stories of African American 
heroes, scholars, artists, and outstanding leaders throughout our 
Nation's history.
  Much of this artistry, delightful spirit, strong determination, and 
hard work was inspired by religious faith in You and the promise of the 
Holy Bible. Their witness to undying hope and peaceful resolution 
changed this Nation forever.
  Lord, we praise and thank You for the African American communities 
across this landscape who have shared our past, bless our present 
culture, and endow our future with profound hope, genuine laughter, 
memorable music, and so many other contributions to our common good.
  May the African American people continue to be a blessing, Lord, upon 
this Nation, now and forever.
  Amen.

                          ____________________