Reverend Harvey Peters
Bethlehem, PA
Sponsor: Rep. Scott Peters, (D-CA)
Date of Prayer: 03/04/2014
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from California (Mr. Peters) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. PETERS of California. Mr. Speaker, today I have the distinct honor of introducing the guest chaplain for the opening prayer , my father, Pastor Harvey Peters.
Harvey Peters is a retired Lutheran minister whose service in a nearly 40–year career included stops in Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and all the way to California.
While I was a kid, he was an active leader in the movement to desegregate housing in the Detroit suburbs, an effort that, while unpopular among some of our neighbors, instilled in me and my three sisters the values of courage, integrity, and equality that I have tried to carry into my own service.
While my dad ran the congregation, my mom, RuthAnn, who is in attendance today, ran the family and worked part time as the church secretary.
It is an honor to welcome Harvey Peters, a longtime advocate for civil rights and the poor, a community leader, and dedicated father and grandfather, to the United States House of Representatives today to give the opening prayer .
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Lord God, by whose goodness we live and move and have our being, and to whom we regularly swear allegiance in pursuit of life, liberty, and justice for all, we turn to You and humbly ask You to hear our prayers.
We are privileged to exercise our civil freedoms and make decisions that reflect the high ideals of our Nation's Founders and the aspirations embedded in our history.
Protect us from delusions or discouragement in the demanding business of governance.
Make us keenly aware we are not alone, and beckoned or not, O God, You are always present as we discern how best to fulfill our high calling with honor.
Keep us mindful of Your presence through those who labor at our side, and on our behalf; those who daily share the joys and burdens of our calling to public service, our families, our staff, our colleagues, and a host of people who continue to pray and hope for the success of our best efforts.
For them and to You, Lord God, we offer our thanks today and always.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory