Reverend Ira Combs, Jr.
The Greater Bible Way Temple
Jackson, MI
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Nick Smith, (R-MI)
Date of Prayer: 05/10/2001
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join you in welcoming today's distinguished guest chaplain, Reverend Ira Combs , Jr., and thank him for leading the House in prayer. Reverend Combs is the founder and pastor of the Greater Bible Way Temple in Jackson, Michigan.
He started that church and now the congregation numbers over 1,000. Reverend Combs has built up his church to serve a growing congregation. He has received the Outstanding Young Men's Award from the National Jaycees and was named in the Marquis Who's Who in America and the Who's Who from the International Business Association, among some of his many awards.
Reverend Combs is distinguished by his love for people, desire to strengthen families and ability to motivate and cultivate those around him. His compassion for the less fortunate has led him to assist many needy families in and around Jackson while working tirelessly to serve his community and his State.
Reverend Combs continues to be a community leader in Jackson. I am proud to welcome him here today as our guest chaplain.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Of course let us remember, blessed are the brief, for they shall be heard again.
With bowed heads at this time, we want to, before giving the prayer , give honor to Congressman NICK SMITH, the Honorable President George W. Bush, the Speaker of the House, and all the distinguished Members of this body.
Again with bowed heads, Almighty and Eternal God, our provider and continual sustenance, we Your public servants disrobe ourselves of our personal pride and bow our heads in humility.
We ask for forgiveness for our individual and collective shortcomings as a people. We petition Your divine assistance, requesting that You script our prayers to reflect a deep and abiding appreciation for the rich historicity our Founding Fathers have left us in the creative inspiration of our Nation's Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Inspire us as Republicans, Democrats, Independents and others to never forget the virtues upon which this Nation's democracy was founded, the precepts that are the cause of our current prosperity, and, finally, bless us with reverence for You as a loving and abiding and caring Creator.
Help us seek peaceful and cooperative communion with You, our fellow man, our colleagues, and in each of our communities of faith, never forgetting and ever remembering that it is faith in You that has brought us, blessed us and kept us.
In Your mighty name we pray, and all the people said, Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory