Reverend Dr. John Loudon
First Presbyterian Church
Lakeland, FL
Sponsor: Rep. Dennis Ross, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 12/12/2013
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Ross) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in gratitude that my good friend Pastor Mike Loudon from my home church in Lakeland, Florida, could give the opening prayer in the United States House of Representatives.
Pastor Mike, as he is known back home, and his wife, Joyce, have lived a life of dedication to their faith and their family. Pastor Mike's ministry serves as an inspiration to everyone. Truly, he is a great man with a legacy of what counts in life and the life hereafter.
Pastor Mike is a pillar in the Lakeland and Polk County communities. He is active in Rotary Club and is a strong leader, a man of God, and has a fantastic sense of humor.
Pastor Mike has served churches across the country prior to coming to First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland in 1999. His messages are uplifting, encouraging, and always resonate with me. I am honored to have him as my pastor and as my friend.
I join countless others in expressing a deep thankfulness for his willing spirit to serve and the privilege of having him give the opening prayer today.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Lord, we acknowledge our need for divine guidance and confess we are imperfect people in need of Your forgiveness.
We give thanks that You are not only a God of righteousness, but also a God of compassion and offer us mercy.
Empower us to live in such a way that we strive for balance in our lives and seek to exhibit conviction as well as grace.
May we make our own an old prayer offered daily by Harry Truman:
Everlasting God, help me to be, to think, and to act what is right, because it is right. Make me truthful, honest, and honorable in all things. Make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward for me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving, and patient with others, and help me understand their motives and their shortcomings even as You understand mine.
Amen and amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory