[Page S5855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 PRAYER

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Today's opening prayer will be offered by Dr. 
Robert Lewis, of Fellowship Bible Church, Little Rock, AR.
  The guest Chaplain offered the following prayer:
  Let us pray.
  Heavenly Father, we give thanks for this new day and the hope that 
lies within it. We have been a blessed nation, not by accident but by 
this: In You, God, we trust. Thank You for the men and women of this 
distinguished body, who will again rise to face the immense challenge 
that will mark this day along with the special opportunities that it 
holds for good. I pray You will make this body ready for both.
  In these turbulent times, empower their work with Your Spirit. Give 
them a difference making wisdom only You possess. Protect them from 
small ambitions. Call each heart here up to the higher ways of 
humility, understanding, and much needed unity. Help these leaders seek 
what is right and best for all in this Nation: the weak and the strong, 
the rich and the wanting, the great and the small; and let their work 
here today end tonight as a credit, not a deficit, to our Nation's 
life-giving legacy of liberty and justice for all.
  Bless this Chamber, Father. Make us better through them, and lead us 
all forward in the ways of righteousness for Your greater glory.
  We pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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