Doctor Ivan Raley
First Baptist Church
Brydstown, TN
Sponsor: Rep. Lincoln Davis, (D-TN)
Date of Prayer: 07/31/2009
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, it's an honor to thank my friend and pastor, Dr. Ivan Raley of First Baptist Church in Byrdstown, for joining us here today. Pastor Raley has served our church at home since 2002, and is retired after 10 years of service as regional vice president of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes in Brentwood, Tennessee.
While serving as pastor, Dr. Raley has traveled on mission trips to Venezuela, Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, and in September of 2001, he went to New York to serve as a chaplain with the police and firemen involved in the 9/11 World Trade Center attack. He also served with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in Rwanda during the wars there in 1994.
I want to thank Ivan for being here today and for serving our church family for the past 7 years. I have looked to him for ministry as we continue our work in Congress to build a stronger America for our children and our grandchildren. Through the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and now in the midst of a difficult economy, I appreciate Pastor Raley being there to join me in search of guidance and wisdom.
On behalf of my colleagues, I welcome Dr. Raley, and again, I thank him for delivering our invocation here this morning.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty and eternal Father, we humbly come before you in this hallowed place that we might seek your wisdom for the work that you have set before this chosen group of leaders.
Father, many in our country are hurting this morning, many others are confused and fearful of what the future holds; they need the help of this congress.
God, accept this prayer as our confession of total dependence on you. Forgive us where we have fallen short of your best. You know the solution this body of men and women seeks; now may they receive your wisdom, your knowledge and your solution.
May future generations call these now assembled, "The greatest Generation" for like those of the past who rose to the cause of their country, may these also rise to the greatness which you have given to them.
God bless America. We pray in our savior's name. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory