Reverend Roy Mays , III
Southland Christian Church
Lexington, KY
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Ernie Fletcher, (R-KY)
Date of Prayer: 09/06/2001
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank a dear friend and classmate, Reverend Roy Mays, for his beautifully insightful prayer opening today's session of the United States House of Representatives.
Within the hallowed walls of this Chamber, my colleagues and I gather to attend to the business of this great Nation. Since the beginning of our democracy, we have begun each day's work petitioning our creator that we might know truth and have the wisdom and understanding to rightfully fulfill our duties. As Reverend Mays so eloquently stated in his prayer , our creator grants us grace and strength sufficient for our duties.
Reverend Mays continues to be a beacon for everyone who has crossed paths with him or who has made his acquaintance, including people in over 40 States where Roy ministered as an evangelist, also among the students, faculty and administration whose lives he has touched during 12 years of service at Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary. For the past 16 years, Reverend Mays has blessed thousands through the congregation at Lexington's Southland Christian Church as the senior executive associate minister.
Additionally, it is said that the character of a person is reflected in the countenance of one's spouse and children so it is with Roy and his lovely wife of 28 years, Beth, and his two children, Amanda and Ryan, who reflect the grace and peace engendered by mutual unconditional love.
Even after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 1999, Reverend Mays continues to touch the lives of those around him, refusing to allow his testimony to fade and his countenance to dim, even when struggling to overcome persistently failing health. He stands humbly but firm with God, and with God's help of peace and perseverance during the most trying times of life. Through this example, countless others have received hope.
In this House, we pray alongside Reverend Roy Mays that we might be touched with both our Father's healing grace and dealing grace. We are inspired by Reverend Mays' unflagging faith and his steadfast confidence in God's plan for all.
Mr. Speaker, it is with deep appreciation that I recognize Roy Mays, not only for his service to us here today, but also to countless others across our Nation.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Dear Gracious Father, for years we have sung "America, America, God shed his grace on thee," and in this prayer we affirm You have done it and we ask You to do it again.
As the Giver of grace, we need Your presence and assistance; Your good favor and great power. For whatever situation we face today, show us that Your strength is sufficient.
On the day following my diagnosis with myeloma cancer, You gave me an insight for experiencing grace in the metaphor of a railroad track, one rail represented healing and one rail symbolized dealing. I was invited to embrace Your grace and endure my race, keeping both rails parallel or I would wreck. Your part was to establish Your purpose and supply Your power. My part was to pray and persevere.
For all of the Members of this House and those they represent, we implore You to please touch us with Your healing grace, forgive us when we have forgotten You, lift us up when we have let You down, deliver help to those who are hurting, and provide peace for those who are in pain.
Also, we entreat You to please give us Your dealing grace: wisdom for our work, discernment for our decisions, resources for our responsibilities, and joy for our journey.
In all these requests, Heavenly Father, we pray that Your will be done, and we accept that Your grace is sufficient. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory