The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Wayne Graumann

Salem Lutheran Church
Tomball, TX

Sponsor: Rep. Mike McCaul, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 02/27/2008

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) is recognized for 1 minute.

There was no objection.

Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I'm always inspired by the fact that we begin our business here in the Congress with a prayer to God and a pledge to this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, a man of God, a man of faith, a man who has devoted his entire career, indeed his entire life, to the service of his fellow man. Pastor Wayne Graumann , who offered this morning's prayer for the House of Representatives, is revered, admired, and loved by all in his congregation and by all those whose life he has touched. He is the voice and the shepherd of Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Texas.

Born in Granite, Oklahoma, Pastor Graumann became a pastor after completing his education at Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. He eventually accepted a calling from Salem Lutheran in Tomball, Texas, and has served and strengthened his flock there for the past three decades.

Pastor Graumann has been married to his wife, Kathy, for more than 36 years. They have been blessed with two children and two beautiful grandchildren. Pastor Graumann also spends countless hours working on world missions for the health and well–being of others, particularly in Honduras, Kenya, and Mexico.

Everyone who knows Pastor Graumann knows him as a true messenger of Christ. In his words and in his deeds and, above all, in his heart, his example is a beacon of light which draws us all closer to our Creator. His faith and devotion to the life of Christ is an inspiration to us all.

I'm reminded of the Gospel of Matthew when Jesus said, ‘‘Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.''

May the peace of Christ be with you and may He hold you in the palm of his hand.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

O Father in Heaven, Your very name is holy; help us to speak it with reverence and awe. May we extend the boundaries of Your goodness to those around us, and may we trust that Your provision is all that we need for today and eternity. Bless us with what we need on a daily basis, since, without Your gifts, we are helpless. When we err, cleanse us with Your forgiving love, and may the forgiveness You offer motivate us to have a forgiving spirit toward those who harm us. Do not let us be led astray by greed or pride. Graciously keep watch over us so that destructive forces may not overpower us. You are our majestic God; all things belong to You, and all praise goes to You. Your Son taught this form of prayer to us, and therefore, I offer this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

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