A prayer as 'fiscal cliff' talks continue WASHINGTON -- The prayers that open Congress each workday often reflect earthly affairs in Washington. On Monday, as "fiscal cliff" talks continue, they were not uplifting. "Make them willing to do what is painful in the short term to avoid even greater pain in the long-term," said Barry C. Black, the Senate Chaplain and a retired Rear Admiral, intoned as the Senate opened for business. Give them confidence that you will protect them in the future even as you have sustained them in the past. Lawmakers returned to Washington as President Obama and House Speaker John A. Boehner continue negotiations to swerve around the coming "fiscal cliff" of tax hikes and spending cuts. The two sides remain far apart, but the silence coming from both the White House and the speaker's office after the secret Sunday between the two principle negotiators was seen by many observers as a breakthrough, of sorts. The top-level talks provided some optimism that a deal could be forming. With just a few weeks before the year-end deadline, the two sides have little time remaining to craft a compromise. Existing tax rates for virtually all Americans expire Dec. 31, which would cause an average $2,200 tax hike in the new year if no agreement is reached. Massive automatic spending cuts would begin days later. Obama wants to extend existing tax rates for all but the top 2% of households, but Republicans are pushing to continue lower tax rates for all, including those couples earning more than $250,000, or $200,000 for single households. Republicans also want spending reductions to the popular safety net programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security in exhange for any new tax revenue. Several key Republicans have said their party should take the deal Obama is offering to maintain the lower- and middle-class tax rates on 98% of the people, while shifting the debate to spending cuts. Boehner has not yet indicated he is willing to make that move. The foggy conditions in Washington this morning prompted the Senate to postpone Monday's votes, while the House is not expected to return for votes until Tuesday. Twitter: @lisamascaroindc