Reverend Dr. Eric Anthony Joseph
Langston University
Langston, OK
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Ernest Istook, (R-OK)
Date of Prayer: 09/18/2002
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. ISTOOK. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and my honor to welcome today our guest chaplain, Dr. Eric Anthony Joseph , the chaplain of Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, which is in my congressional district in our State. Langston University is named for the first African–American office holder in American history, and of course it is one of the premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities about which we will be honoring today with a special resolution.
Dr. Joseph is a man of learning, a man of experience, and a man of strong faith. He has received many degrees, including a doctorate of philosophy in intercultural education, a Masters of Divinity, a Masters of Arts in Christian education, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and two fine arts degrees.
Dr. Joseph has used his talents in a variety of ways to help bring people closer together and closer to God. He has served as a minister, a teacher, a chaplain, as a consultant, an athlete, and as a writer. Dr. Joseph has dedicated his life to ministering to people and strengthening their faith.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
The Biblical psalmist says, "I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever" (Psalm 45:16–17).
LET US ASK GOD TO GOVERN OUR HEARTS, MINDS AND NATION AS WE PRAY:
Heavenly Father, in a world in which many would claim our allegiance and seek our praise, we recognize that you alone are worthy of our praise.
For since the First Continental Congress opened in 1774 (NY) with two–and–a–half hours of prayer, various ministers, guest chaplains and politicians have graced this transit House to appeal to You, as our sovereign Lord, to play an integral role in the government of our then young nation.
In 1789 (PA), we had 65 House Members and 26 Senators, in 1800 we moved the seat of power to the District of Columbia near the residence of our first president General George Washington, and since 1911 we have grown to 435 House Members and today we have 100 Senators.
Therefore, LORD, as we grow as One nation under Your providential jurisdiction we beseech You to give these anointed House members and servants to Thy people the fruit of Your omnipotent Holy Spirit.
May the House of Congress SERVE WITH: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self–control, as well as, justice, humility and compassion.
Guide and bless these men and women who have been elected by Your grace to direct us to the center of Your will. We openly ask these things in the name of Your Son, the living Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory