Local Pastor Delivers Opening Prayer Before Congress

Pastor Joshua Beckley of the Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in San Bernardino recently delivered the opening prayer before the House of Representatives. Representative Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) honored Pastor Beckley afterwards with a brief address on the House floor. The full text of Pastor Beckley’s prayer can be read below: "Our Father and our God, we pray for this session of Congress, in light of all that is going on in our world and the threats that face us as a Nation, that You would give clarity and thought and discernment as they follow their agenda today. I pray that You would endow them with wisdom and knowledge, with empathy, and compassion to determine the best course of action that would affect the greatest good for all who would be affected by their decisions today. I pray that they would be mindful of our Pledge of Allegiance that declares that we are one nation under God and that You are the ultimate leader of this Nation. The Scriptures remind us that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Bless this 114th session of the House of Representatives. In the mighty Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen." Recognizing Pastor Beckley’s dedication to the Inland Empire Community, Rep. Aguilar said, “In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino last December, Pastor Beckley was a resounding voice of comfort and an unwavering leader for thousands in our darkest hours. He provided solace to the families of victims, compassion to their co-workers and strength to the community as we recovered.” He continued, “His leadership was – and continues to be – an integral part of our efforts to heal and rebuild. We are so grateful for his dedication to the thousands of Inland Empire families that look to him for guidance and thank him for his continued service to our region.” Pastor Beckley was ordained in 1980 and became the founding pastor at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in 1991, serving as senior pastor for the past 25 years. Pastor Beckley co-founded the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches and today serves as the Chair of Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County. His wife, Lynda, and sister, Tammie Watson, were also present during his opening prayer.