The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Dr. Bryan Smith

First Baptist Church
Roanoke, VA

Sponsor: Rep. Bob Goodlatte, (R-VA)
Date of Prayer: 04/02/2014

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to welcome Dr. Bryan Smith, a constituent of the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia and a friend who has offered the opening prayer today. I hope the doctor's prayer offers this body guidance and wisdom for the tasks before us.

Dr. Smith serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Roanoke, one of the largest congregations in Roanoke Valley. During his time at First Baptist, I have known Dr. Smith to be a man who believes in putting faith in action, working tirelessly to help others grow spiritually.

Dr. Smith and his wife, Mary, have served in ministry together for more than 25 years. They have two children. He is a graduate of Mobile College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

I want to thank Dr. Smith for serving as guest chaplain in the House of Representatives today.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Lord, we thank You for today, for the life that You have given to us, the riches of Your blessings, the freedoms we enjoy, and for Your gracious and tender mercies.

Forgive us for our transgressions against You, and help those gathered here today to work together in the knowledge of Your truth.

I thank You for these leaders who are here by Your authority. Please bless them and their families.

Give to them the wisdom, discernment, humility, and guidance they will need in fulfilling the obligations and responsibilities entrusted to them. May they be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

May their weakness be the revenue for Your strength; may their purpose for gathering today be honorable in Your sight; and may the work that is accomplished promote Your righteousness and peace throughout our Nation.

In Your holy name we pray.

Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory