Reverend Rick Astle
Waccamaw Baptist Association
Conway, SC
Sponsor: Rep. Mike McIntyre, (D-NC)
Date of Prayer: 05/03/2007
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
(Mr. McINTYRE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the Reverend Rick Astle , who just delivered the invocation for the U.S. House as we begin this National Day of Prayer, a time when communities across America will be joining in prayer for our country today. And what better person to begin this day than a man whose prayer ministry has carried him across our country and who has written a book on this very subject.
Born and reared in Oklahoma, now residing in Whiteville, North Carolina, he is married to the former Donna Strickland of Lumberton, who is with us today; and they have one son, John, who is a law student at North Carolina Central.
Rick was educated at the University of Kentucky and at Southern Baptist Seminary, and he has served Southern Baptist churches for over 30 years, has spoken in over 20 States, and is author of the book, The Priority of Kingdom–Focused Prayer, and now is the Director of Missions for the Waccamaw Baptist Association in Conway, South Carolina.
And as his brother–in–law, I am particularly honored to have him open us on this very special National Day of Prayer.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our Father in heaven, on this National Day of Prayer, we confess that Your way is perfect, Your Word is proven, and You are a Shield to all who trust in You.
Make today a day when men are willing to repent of sin, and to look to You for guidance –– for Your seat is not on one side or the other of an isle, but on the throne of heaven.
Interrupt the strategies of hate forming even now, such as what has manifested from Columbine to Virginia Tech, from Oklahoma City to Ground Zero.
Lord Jesus, each of our elected officials, locally and nationally, are on our hearts today –– along with each man and woman in our armed forces, and their families. Bless and protect them, Lord.
Pour out Your Spirit today, that we may be assured that You are still blessing America!
I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory