Reverend Elizabeth Hanley
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church
Cameron, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Jeb Hensarling, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 07/16/2009
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. HENSARLING. Madam Speaker, above your chair are inscribed the words "In God We Trust." There is nothing more important that we in Congress do each day than seek His wisdom, guidance, and blessing upon our deliberations.
I am both grateful and proud that today my friend, Pastor Elizabeth Hanley , sought those gifts on our behalf.
Pastor Hanley , known to her flock as Pastor Liz, has led the Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Cameron, Texas, since 2002. She's a lifelong Lutheran, a fifth generation Texan, and like my wife, she's a Baylor Bear.
I have had the opportunity to worship at Abiding Savior on a number of occasions. I know for a fact that through the love of her savior, Jesus Christ, Pastor Liz nurtures the youth of her congregation. She gives hope to the downhearted, she cares for the elderly, and she inspires all through her words of grace through faith.
Hope and unity are in abundance at Abiding Savior. And its parishioners will tell you Pastor Liz is truly deserving of the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
I thank Pastor Liz for being here today and leading our invocation.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Let us pray,
God of Grace, we give you thanks for this new day. You bless the whole human family with your sustaining love.
Open the hearts of the ones who gather here as they make decisions for our nation. Stir in them wisdom, understanding, and compassion in discernment. Bind them together in the common pursuit of justice and peace for your people. Give them courage to be a voice for those who have no voice; that their work might bring relief to the burden and hope to those in need.
Renew the hearts of your people O God, and move us to trust in you. Bless O Lord all those who offer their lives in service to others, and grant us grace to live in your never failing love. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory