The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend David K. Stewart

First United Methodist Church
Wayne, MI

Sponsor: Rep. Hon. John Boozman, (R-AR)
Date of Prayer: 03/20/2003

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our guest chaplain, Pastor Dave Stewart of Wayne, Michigan. Although Pastor Dave is not my constituent, he happens to be the father of my office manager, Liz Yeager.

Pastor Dave is an energetic man who has led a full life. Although he began his working career in public service, he decided to pursue a life in the ministry at age 34. Since then, Pastor Dave has served seven different United Methodist churches throughout Michigan. He is currently the senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Wayne.

Pastor Dave also has a big heart. Throughout the years he and his wife Ellen, son Kirk and daughter Elizabeth have opened their home to many friends and adopted family. Pastor Dave's faith in the Lord gives him an eternal outlook that encourages him to face each day with energy and joy. This is evident in the way he loves those around him.

Mr. Speaker, it has been my sincere pleasure to have Pastor Dave open the House in prayer .

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BOOZMAN. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our guest chaplain, Pastor Dave Stewart, who is a constituent of mine, from Wayne, Michigan, and I would just like to say he has been a tremendous asset to the community, and it has been an honor to have him here today.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

I dedicate this prayer this morning to a dear, dear friend who went to be the with the Lord on Monday, Delynn Roehrs of Beaverton, Michigan, a powerful woman in the Lord. Let us pray.

Dear Father in Heaven, Creator of heaven and Earth, You are the Lord of history. As it says in Daniel 2, when the mystery of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream was revealed to Daniel:

"Praise be to You, God, forever and ever;

"Wisdom and power are Yours.

"You change time and season;

"You set up kings and depose them.

"You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

"You reveal deep and hidden things;

"You know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with You."

Give us wisdom and power. Make known to us the wisdom we ask of You for our deliberations today. May we know and do Your will.

In conflict, may we be Your instrument of justice and not the object of Your wrath. May we make the effort to live in peace with all.

We pray for wisdom that we might practice frugality and prudence balanced with compassion and vision, that our actions today and in the future will constitute a blessed inheritance for our children and succeeding generations.

This we pray in the name of the Lord, Amen.

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