‘May they bow their knees before You’
From the Congressional Record, Vol. 150, No, 79
Prentice Meador was introduced by Senator Hutchinson of Texas, who explained to the Senate body:
Madam president, it is my pleasure to introduce our guest chaplain, Dr. Prentice Meador, from Dallas, Texas, the minister at Prestoncrest Church of Christ. Dr. Meador hails from Nashville, Tenn. Our majority leader and Dr. Meador have known each for a long time.
He is a graduate of David Lipscomb College [University] and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He and his wife Barbara, a registered nurse, have three married children and 10 grandchildren.
Dr. Meador served at the South National Church of Christ in Springfield, Mo., for 14 years before moving to Dallas in 1988.
Not only did our distinguished leader come over to say hello to our chaplain this morning, but also Senator Bond from Missouri, who when he was Governor worked with Dr. Meador on a summit for children. Dr. Meador has been very active in that regard as well.
So we came in today, and not only was he there with me as his hometown Senator, but also the Senator from Missouri came to great him, which I think shows what a great impact he has wherever he goes.
Dr. Meador has in fact adopted a wonderful philosophy of the modern church. He offers grace to imperfect people. He doesn’t want to save the world and lose our own families. He offers God to people entangled in the web of today’s culture.
That take on the urban church has attracted large audiences of young adults. In fact, the average age in his church in Dallas is 28. Dr. Meador has done an excellent job of cultivating their interest by emphasizing relationship building, mentoring and accountability groups.
He is a member of the board of trustees of a great university, Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, and is on the chancellor’s council of another great university, Pepperdine University in California. Dr. Meador is listed in “Who’s Who in Religion,” as well as “Who’s Who in the Southwest.” He has spoken throughout the world and have given frequent lectures throughout the United States.
He is an accomplished author who has written several books, and has been the managing editor of 21st Century Christian magazine starting in 1992. He is a regular television contributor [as] a weekly panelist on the American Religion Town Hall, which is a national program.
Dr. Meador has received numerous awards for his leadership and citizenship. It is an honor to have him with us today.
Meador’s prayer:
Holy Father, we affirm You and Lord of our lives and our Nation. We are comfortable to come into Your presence on this special moment because You have invited us before Your throne. Gratitude and praise flow from our hearts for giving our Nation blessings that would have astonished our ancestors.
Lord, in this historic week, our nation mourns the death of President Ronald Reagan. Father, we celebrate his patriotism, optimism and courage. Bless Mrs. Reagan, her family and our Nation with peace from Your heart.
And, Father, may we never forget your heritage. Sovereign Lord, we are keenly aware that 60 years ago today, heroic men were fighting their way off the beaches of Normandy. Lord, we shall never forget place like “Bloody Omaha,” Carentan, Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Caen, Bastogne. Keep in our memory those who fought together and now lie together in death that we might be free. Father, may their voices of valor be heard in this Chamber in clear, crisp tones.
Merciful Father, in a world that sometimes drowns out such voices, empower the women and men of this great body to hear again words from our past: integrity, faith, bravery, sacrifice and godliness. At this special time, I pray that each Senator might recommit to the clarity of Your truth, the depth of Your wisdom and the power of Your love.
Father, help the Senators to know that many in this Nation pray for them and their faithfulness to their most solemn obligations. May they bow their knees before You so they may know what is right for our country. Lord, sanctify this assembly by dwelling in the hearts of each of these respected leaders. May glory, honor and dominion be Your forever and ever.
In Your most holy Name. Amen.
