National Prayer Luncheon

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Chaplain (Col.) Howard Stendahl, Air Combat Command chaplain, speaks during the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 22 at the Gunfighter Club. Chaplain Stendahl ensures ACC chaplains and their assistants are ready and prepared for global deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson)

National Prayer Luncheon

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- No Limits Christian Ministries praise team performs during the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 22 at the Gunfighter Club. The luncheon’s roots can be traced back to 1953, and is now recognized every February at bases across the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson)

National Prayer Luncheon

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Col. Ron Buckley, 366th Fighter Wing commander, thanks Chaplain (Col.) Howard Stendahl, Air Combat Command chaplain, for being the guest speaker during the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 22 at the Gunfighter Club. Chaplain Stendahl is responsible for the ACC chaplain corps programs and providing Airmen and their families with spiritual care and opportunities for the free exercise of religion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson)

National Prayer Luncheon

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Chaplain (Col.) Howard Stendahl, Air Combat Command chaplain, speaks to Gunfighters and distinguished guest during the National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 22 at the Gunfighter Club. Chaplain Stendahl ensures ACC chaplains and their assistants are ready and prepared for global deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Renishia Richardson)

MHAFB Chapel hosts 2011 National Prayer Luncheon

Published Feb. 24, 2011
By Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The base chapel hosted more than 100 guests at the 2011 National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 22 at the Gunfighter Club.

During the luncheon, guests were treated to two musical selections by the No Limits Christian Ministries Praise Team, and were enlightened by guest speaker Chaplain (Col.) Howard Stendahl, Air Combat Command chaplain.

According to Staff Sgt. Norma Johnson, 366th Fighter Wing chaplain's assistant, the history of the national prayer dates back to 1942 when a group of senators and representatives began to meet for prayer during World War II.

Sergeant Johnson said in 1953, President Eisenhower established what was then termed, The Presidential Prayer Breakfast" to seek divine guidance for our nation. The name of the event was changed to national prayer breakfast in 1970.

"Most every military installation has its own chapel-sponsored national prayer event to support the national emphasis," she said. "What started as a simple idea of men and women meeting together for prayer and fellowship has spread nearly 200 countries from every continent."

After a prayer for the nation by Chaplain (Lt. Col. Ret.) Jim Sands, Chaplain Stendahl addressed the audience, thanking all those in uniform for their dedicated service.

"I know this is a testing time in national history," Chaplain Stendahl said. "This long war in which we are engaged has taxed every person who has put on the uniform. It's been extremely demanding in recent years. But in the midst of that stress and demand, I want to express my gratitude to every person who has chosen to take a part of their life and give it in service of their nation - whether your period is four years or 40 years.

"I am grateful you have given of yourself and continue to give of yourself to whatever is required, whether it's physically, mentally, socially or spiritually," he added. "Your physical beauty and strength will leave you, your social graces may leave you, but the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever. Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God."