Arrington Welcomes Lubbock Pastor Elliott Powell as Guest Chaplain for House of Representatives

Rev. Powell's prayer as delivered:

"Sovereign and gracious God, we give you thanks for the United States of America as it marks 250 years of democratic life.

"Thank you for the privilege of self-governance, government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and for those called to serve within this chamber on behalf of the nation.

"Your word declares, there's no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been established by God. As you have established these men and women in service, equip them, I pray, with all they need.

"Bestow upon them clarity and courage, conviction and civility. Be their strength in a time of uncommon burdens, be their shield in a season too often shadowed by politically motivated violence.

"And may it be that the fruit of their labors is the flourishing of all people across this great nation.

"All this I pray in the strong and saving name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Following Rev. Powell's prayer, Congressman Arrington delivered remarks on the House floor to recognize him.

Chairman Arrington's remarks as delivered:

"Mr. Speaker, it's a great honor and delight to hear the familiar voice of my Pastor, Elliott Powell, opening up the People's House with prayer, a tradition that began at the very first Congress in 1789.

"Reverend Powell is the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lubbock, Texas, USA. He is joined today in the Chamber gallery by his wife Shannon Aycock Powell and their three children: Lila, Charyssa, and Adam, and his niece Chloe.

"My wife, Anne, and I have been blessed beyond measure to be a part of the Westminster community, and we are exceedingly grateful for the prayers, support and friendship of our fellow parishioners.

"Mr. Speaker, the 19th century French philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville, traveled across the United States in the early 1800s in search of what he said was quote, 'America's genius and greatness.' He said, 'it wasn't in the Commodious harbors or the fertile fields, not the public schools or institutions of higher learning, not the Democratic Congress even, or our matchless constitution,' believe it or not.

"He said, 'it wasn't until I entered into the churches of America and with their pulpits aflame with the gospel of Jesus, that I understood, the secret of her genius and power.'

"That's when he coined that famous phrase, 'America is great because America is good.'

"Mr. Speaker, may God continue to bless America through the goodness of his church and his many faithful undershepherds like my dear friend Elliot Powell."

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