[Page S8671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                                 prayer

  The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the following prayer:
  Let us pray.
  Eternal Father, who cares for us all, we praise You for Your wisdom 
and might. Thank You for Your word that guides us, for Your creation 
that sustains us and for Your redemption that saves us.
  Place us on the paths that lead to abundant living. Today, strengthen 
and inspire our lawmakers. Empower them to dedicate their lives to Your 
service. Enlist them in the ranks of those who love You without ceasing 
and serve You without fail. Give them the wisdom to change the bad to 
good and the good to better.
  Help us all to be grateful for the blessings and benefits You 
benevolently bestow upon us.
  We pray in Your marvelous Name. Amen.

                          ____________________