Deliver them from jealousy, from those who hate the upright and surround them with the shield of your divine favor. Give them the wisdom to find Common Ground in order to accomplish the best for our nation and world. Remind them that righteousness elevates a nation but sin destroys. Prepare their hearts and minds for all of the challenges they will face in the days to come. We pray in your merciful name. And, lord, today, we thank you for the legacy of our nations first president , george washington. We pray in your strong name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The presiding officer under the previous order, the leadership time is resoiched. Morning business is closed. Pursuant to the order of the senate of january 24, 1901, as amended by the order of