U.S. Rep. Howard Coble welcomed an Army chaplain from Moore County to Capitol Hill last week as the guest chaplain for the House of Representatives.

Capt. Rudy Stevens, who is a chaplain at Fort Bragg, opened the House session Feb. 15 with a special prayer:

"Lord, too often, we Americans back home forget to pray for our leaders here in D.C. Forgive us, Lord. For those assembled here in the people's House, I pray that you give them courage, strength, and wisdom. Give them courage from our convictions, strength from your spirit, and wisdom for the future. For here decisions are made: choices that shape circumstances of years, if not generations, of all Americans.

"All the way from California to North Carolina that airborne chorus sounds off loud and strong with, 'This land is my land, and this land is your land.' And it is here in this room that chorus hits the ground and finds harmony, reminding us that from many, we are one, one nation under God that seeks liberty and justice for all, for all the fatherless and the oppressed.

"So, Lord, hear our prayer and keep these leaders wise, strong and courageous. In Jesus' name, amen."

Coble introduced Stevens on the House floor.

"Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me today to introduce Army Chaplain Rudy Stevens," Coble said. "Capt. Stevens lives in North Carolina's 6th Congressional District and serves the 2-504 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

"During his tenure, Mr. Speaker, Capt. Stevens has received many awards, most notably the Bronze Star, the Air Assault Wings and Jump Wings. He has been deployed, Mr. Speaker, on separate occasions and will continue his duty with a deployment to Afghanistan in the coming months.

"On behalf of the constituents of the 6th District of North Carolina and my colleagues here in the people's House, Chaplain Stevens, we welcome you to the House of Representatives and extend our appreciation to you for having offered today's prayer."

Prior to walking to the House floor together, Coble and Stevens met in his Rayburn Building office. Stevens presented Coble with a hat with the words "Operation Enduring Freedom" on it. Stevens' unit is being deployed to Afghanistan next month.