The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Phillip Lee

Marine Force Reserve
New Orleans, LA

Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Joseph Cao, (R-LA)
Date of Prayer: 02/09/2010

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chaplain Phillip "Endel" Lee , Jr., the 2010 recipient of the Reserve Officers Association Chaplain of the Year Award, who is currently serving in my district.

I also congratulate him and thank him for delivering the opening prayer here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. His prayer was powerful and moving and reminded us that we are "Americans promoting freedom, responsible for our actions, and dedicated to the principles that made us free."

Chaplain Lee has always been a beacon of hope to those facing immense tragedies. He rescued survivors off rooftops during Hurricane Katrina and prayed at Ground Zero with the families of victims of September 11.

I am proud to have Chaplain Lee serving in my congressional district. I thank him for his leadership in the spiritual rebuilding of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, and I speak for all of us here when I thank him and his family's service to and sacrifice for this great Nation.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty God, Supreme Judge of the world, thank You for our military members, for the security they provide to our Nation and the hope they bring to hurting places on distant shores. Give each one clear ears, sharp eyes, a keen mind and a heart full of courage to accomplish the mission they are assigned. Heal them when they are injured; sustain their families and friends as they too endure war's tragedies and tensions caused by spiritual wickedness in high places and the darkness of this world.

Today help us to silence the roaring lions and charging bears who seek to rule the globe with terrorism. Empower us by every righteous means to foster peace on Earth and good will to all. Guide those entering this room today to be faithful, and full of faith, while performing their duties on behalf of the American people. And as weariness tugs at the soul, may each person mount up as on the wings of an eagle.

We ask that You give particular comfort to the family of John Murtha today, former Marine and citizen Congressman for 14 terms who passed away yesterday.

By Your grace, anchor us now in the Rock who leads us to be holy, reconciling us to Your purposes and ways. Remind us never to forget that we are Americans promoting freedom, responsible for our actions, and dedicated to the principles that make us free; free indeed. Keep us trusting in You, God, and then the United States of America.

We ask You all this, Supreme and Eternal Commander in Chief, because Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Semper Fi. Amen.

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