Reverend L. John Gable
Crossroads Presbyterian Church
Mequon, WI
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Mike Pence, (R-IN)
Date of Prayer: 09/15/2004
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, it is with particular pleasure that I rise to welcome the Reverend L. John Gable and his wife Kris to the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives today.
Reverend Gable is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary as well as Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, and his ministry has carried him through Ohio, Iowa, and now he serves as senior pastor for a decade at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon, Wisconsin. The Good Book says, "If you owe debts, pay debts." I rise today to discharge a large one in my life, for it was 25 years ago as a young man at Hanover College that the then student John Gable, more than anyone else, challenged me to take seriously the claims of Christ. I will never forget the day, Mr. Speaker, that young John Gable said to me, "Remember, MIKE, you have got to wear it in your heart before you wear it around your neck."
As those at Crossroads Presbyterian Church know and people in Ohio and Iowa and all over the country, John Gable has made a difference in America, in the lives of thousands, and he most certainly made a difference in mine. It is my pleasure to welcome the Reverend L. John Gable and his wife Kris to the United States House of Representatives today as our chaplain.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
God of grace and glory,
Your Word instructs us to pray for those in leadership and for those who are in positions of authority over us. As we gather here today we recognize that we are those very leaders. Yet we humbly confess that our strength and wisdom is insufficient for the issues of our day, so we pray for Your wisdom, strength and guidance, and our openness to it.
We pray for those gathered in this hall and for the decisions that will be discussed and made here. We pray for our President and for all those who serve the common good that their actions and decisions might be in accordance with Your perfect will for peace, justice and freedom.
Save us, O Lord, as a people and as a nation, from the self–confidence that forgets its dependence on You; yet inspire us in the realization that the work we do is important in the serving of Your purposes.
Lord, bless us and bless our nation that we in turn may be a blessing to You. This we pray in Your Holy Name.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory