Bishop Larry Lawrence Brandon
Praise Temple
Shreveport, LA
Sponsor: Rep. Speaker Mike Johnson, (R-LA)
Date of Prayer: 12/07/2023
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to introduce my longtime friend, Bishop Larry Lawrence Brandon, who I have the honor of hosting as our guest chaplain in the House today.
Bishop Brandon is the senior pastor of Praise Temple Missionary Baptist Church, which has faithfully served the people of the Shreveport–Bossier area for over three decades.
In 1992, Bishop Brandon and six others founded Praise Temple. They met in the homes of local church leaders for prayer offerings and Bible study until they eventually moved into a worship space in Shreveport.
Under his dutiful stewardship, the church flourished. They have built the "church where the doors swing on the hinges of love," as their motto states.
Last year, he moved back to his hometown of Oakland, California, to expand his ministry, but he holds deep ties to our area back home and is a beloved member of our community.
Bishop Brandon has been a trusted leader in the Shreveport–Bossier area. He has served in leadership roles in local nonprofits, civic organizations, faith–based ministries, and still serves as president of the Northwest Louisiana Community Development Corporation.
Bishop Brandon has been a great advocate for the sanctity of human life, and his work in the community and in biblical scholarship has served as an important reminder of the eternal hope that we have in Christ.
I am grateful that he is joining us as our guest chaplain.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty and compassionate God, we humbly gather our hearts in solemn prayer for the United States of America.
Grant us, O guiding light, the serenity that breeds peace, embracing our land from coast to coast.
May justice, impartial and unwavering love flow through the veins of society, uniting us in the pursuit of equality for all.
Bestow upon the United States House of Representatives the wisdom to navigate complexities, fostering unity and understanding in their decisions. Lord, please, illuminate their minds to serve with integrity for the betterment of our diverse yet United States of America.
May the spirit of collaboration prevail over discord, and may the collective aspirations of liberty and justice be the compass that guides this great Nation toward a future of harmony, where all voices are heard and the flame of democracy continues to burn bright.
God bless America and help us, America, to bless You. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory