Pastor A.D. Shaw
Glory Shekinah Cathedral, Church of God in Christ
Plant City, FL
Sponsor: Rep. Ross Spano, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 02/26/2019
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor A.D. Shaw, founder and
pastor of Shekinah Glory Cathedral located in Plant City, Florida, and
who most gracefully offered this morning's opening prayer. He is also my brother and my friend.
Pastor Shaw's dedication to family, friends, and community serves as
an example to many. His over 15 years of hard work in the ministry
without expecting anything in return embodies the definition of unity and the best of the human spirit.
As I listened to his prayer, I thought of the many distinguished men
and women who have stood in this Chamber, at that podium, preaching the
importance of unity in our great Nation.
One such man was Abraham Lincoln, who said: "A house divided against
itself cannot stand."
In our fast–moving society, it is easy to focus on those things that divide us over those things that bring us together. It is why, Mr. Speaker, I stand here today calling for greater unity among all who serve in this Chamber, among the American people and for the thousands of communities across our great land.
Only together can we withstand adversity, not just as individuals,
but as a Nation. This does not mean that we will always agree. It does mean we should seek unity in those disagreements.
We do not need to see eye to eye to walk hand in hand.
If, as a Nation, we seek to remain strong into the 21st century, we
must stand united through our differences.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
God of infinity and sovereignty and redeemer of
humanity, grace us with Your mercy, as this 116th
United States Congress forges the future of
America.
Cover the distressed and despondent, too often
forgotten and manipulated, with unceasing care.
Shelter the children of this Nation from the
destructive silence and sins of their
predecessors. Grant unto them courage and
fortitude to be affirming and inclusive of all.
Reclaim us to Your peace and unity, that we may
truly be one Nation under God, the Nation known as
the melting pot of the world.
Therefore, redeem the soul of this Nation, and
bequeath unto us wisdom, mercy, and love, that we
may all encounter heaven on Earth.
With the spirit of the "20 and odd Negroes" who
arrived in this Nation 400 years ago, may we serve this present age.
In the name of our Lord, Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory