Reverend Asriel McLain
Little Union Baptist Church
Shreveport, LA
Sponsor: Rep. Mike Johnson, (R-LA)
Date of Prayer: 07/10/2019
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, it is my great privilege to introduce my friend and Louisiana native, Reverend Asriel G. McLain, as our guest chaplain to lead the opening prayer today.
Reverend McLain has held leadership positions in numerous churches throughout the United States, including Louisiana, Michigan, and Texas. He has written over a dozen books and frequently gives lectures on equipping Christian education leaders for effective ministry and discipleship.
Reverend McLain received his bachelor of arts from Bishop College in
Dallas, Texas, and his master of divinity from Princeton Theological
Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. He is the proud father of four
children: David, Joseph, Desiree, and Danielle. Some of the family is
here today. He is also a lifelong member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
In addition to his work behind the pulpit and inside the classroom,
Reverend McLain followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a leading voice on advancing the cause of justice and equality for all Americans. Having witnessed and endured the hardships of racism personally, Reverend McLain has devoted much of his life to ensuring that future generations can enjoy equality in all aspects of life.
It is a great honor to ask God's blessings over us, and I ask my colleagues to help me in welcoming my dear friend, Reverend Asriel
McLain.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
O Lord, how excellent is Thy name. In the mighty name of Jesus, we praise You for the liberties paid for by our sons and daughters who gave their last full measure of devotion at Lexington and Concord, Chalmette–New Orleans, Gettysburg, Normandy, Iwo Jima, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle
East. Thank you for those who marched with tired feet and rested souls in such places as Selma and Montgomery seeking to perfect our Union.
Lord, bless this, the people's House, of which it is said, "Here,sir, the people govern." Bless, O Lord, this body, its leadership on both sides of the aisle, whose composition mirrors the tapestry of America from the apple orchards of Washington State to the fragrant citrus groves of Florida, from the sun–kissed beaches of California to the bayous of my beloved Louisiana. Remember their families, staffs, and constituents back home as they function as servant–leaders with the vision to see what is right and the power and the strength to do what is right, remembering the Master's words that the greatest among you is Your servant and Dr. King's admonition that everyone can be great because everyone can serve.
May Members of this House heed the words of the eighth century prophet Micah when he says that You require us to love justice, do mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
Amen, amen, and amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory