The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following prayer:

     Lord God, Fountain of wisdom, in all human endeavors knowledge is essential, but heartfelt dedication gives nobility to any deed.

     Learning and information help a person, Lord, to be successful. But each human will of good decision-making and determination gives power and lasting dignity to any work undertaken.

     Therefore, Lord, grant to anyone who works in a democratic Republic such as ours the commitment to continually learn more and more about themselves, the world in which they live, and the problems they face. But especially grant Your chosen people a depth of perception by which they become truly desirous of always seeking what is best, not just out of self-interest but as the lasting good for all. For them mind and heart together are lifted to a higher level of reality which reflects You the Ultimate Creator and Universal Savior of others, both now and forever.

     Amen.