|
Trustee serves as Senate guest chaplain; U.S. Senator calls ACU a "great university"
For immediate release Abilene Christian University trustee Dr. Prentice Meador, senior minister of the 2,000-member Prestoncrest Church of Christ in Dallas, prayed for the nation June 8 as guest chaplain for the U.S. Senate during what Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison called "a very important time in our country." "When I was invited June 3, 2003, to serve as guest chaplain in the Senate, no one could know that a year later the nation would be mourning former President Ronald Reagan or would be so moved by the 60th anniversary of D-Day at Normandy," Meader said. Although his official prayer was turned in 10 days in advance, he was allowed to adapt it at the last minute to honor Reagan. In his prayer, he said, "Father, we celebrate his patriotism, optimism and courage. Bless Mrs. Reagan, her family and our nation with peace from your heart." Meador was introduced by Hutchison, then she asked for recognition once again after the Senate's business began. She offered a lengthy description of Meador's service, the work of his church, and his background. During her speech to the Senate, she described Meador as a member of the board of trustees of "a great university, Abilene Christian University, in Abilene, Texas."
Because Meador knew for a year he would be offering this prayer for America, he said ideas for it were always in the back of his mind. In recent days, he spent at least 20 hours on it. He said requirements for the prayer included that it must be in English, must not deal with anything controversial, and must be for the nation. He prayed, "Sovereign Lord, we are keenly aware that 60 years ago today, heroic men were fighting their way off the beaches of Normandy…. 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." Meador also prayed for the Senators. "Merciful Father, in a world that sometimes drowns out such voices, empower the men and women of this great body to hear again words from our past: integrity, faith, bravery, sacrifice, 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." After his prayer was offered, he was invited to stay for the day in the special chaplain's chair. He talked about Jesus at length with one Senator, and prayed with several others at their request. Meador flew out at noon June 8 to return to Dallas. The prayer and Hutchison's speech of introduction were shown on C-Span and recorded in the Congressional Record. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Wendy Kilmer, Director of Public Relations. |
||||||
|
Recommend This Page
|
"I was so proud to be from Texas and to be connected to ACU," Meador said. Both of his children, Mark and Kimberly, are ACU graduates, and he has served on the board more than 20 years.