National Day of Prayer Observed at Oceana

By Cathy Heimer, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana observed the 60th annual National Day of Prayer May 5 with a prayer breakfast at the base galley, where more than 100 Sailors, Marines and DoD civilians came to hear the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

Dr. Clifford Stanley serves as the senior policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense on recruitment, pay and benefits for active duty, National Guard and Reserve, DoD civilians and is responsible for overseeing the overall state of military readiness.

"Our nation needs prayer, our world needs prayer. I never forget that," said Stanley as he thanked Cmdr. John Lyle, Oceana's command chaplain, for the invitation to attend. The event was organized by the chaplains from Oceana and Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic.

Stanley, who is also a retired Marine Corps major general, was stationed with Lyle at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. In his introduction of the guest speaker, Lyle explained how Stanley and his wife were very active in the Quantico chapel community. As a major general, Stanley began his day with prayer led by one of the chaplains, including Lyle.

"If the commanding general was not too busy to pray, probably most of us were not too busy to spend some time in prayer," said Lyle.

During his introduction, Lyle also provided a brief history about how the day became a national observance. This year's theme is "A Mighty Fortress is Our God."

"There have been several occasions when the government of the United States has asked its citizens to pray for the nation. As early as the Continental Congress in 1775, they designated a day for prayer," said Lyle about the origins.

Several presidents, including John Adams in 1798 and Abraham Lincoln in 1863 designated a day of prayer. In 1952, President Harry Truman signed congressional legislation authorizing a National Day of Prayer, which allowed subsequent presidents to choose the day. It was President Ronald Reagan who amended the legislation to designate the first Thursday in May for the observance.

"The intention of the National Day of Prayer was that it be a day when members of all faiths would pray in their own way for the citizens and government of the United States of America," said Lyle.

For Stanley, talking with God is an essential part of his day.

"I pray every day," said Stanley.

He explained he not only begins and ends his day with prayer, but also says quiet prayers throughout the day and he never forgets to say "thank you" during his prayers.

Even with a schedule that frequently has him travelling overseas to Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, he still makes the time to be involved with his church, whenever he is home. An ordained deacon, he sings in two choirs, is active in his church's men's club and helps serve communion.

"The energy I have, I know comes from God," said Stanley.

Despite his 33 years of active duty and his current, influential position Stanley said he doesn't take himself seriously.

"I love my job. I actually love what I do because I actually love people – big time. I care very deeply. It's not a whole lot of work to love people, to care about people," said Stanley.

"Everything that affects people comes here and as I look to understand this, I turn to God for guidance for making the best decisions, the right decisions," said Stanley about his job.

"When you pray, make sure you know what you are praying for, because he is going to give you what he wants you to have," said Stanley while using the example of children who don't get everything they want and parents who don't give their children everything they ask for.

"But I'm humbled by the fact that I've been allowed to do the things I've been allowed to do, and be able to touch lives the way I'm able to touch them," said Stanley.

"The walk is not a make-believe walk. It doesn't mean you're perfect in everything you do because we all are not perfect…You've got to focus because this is a tough walk," said Stanley about relationships with God.

Noting how the walk with God does not get easier with age, Stanley closed with some advice that has helped him throughout his career.

"Keep your feet on the ground, stay humble, don't try to be perfect but try to live a life that is the walk. Pray for forgiveness. Recognize sin for what it is. Work hard not to be sinful in everything you do, even in your thoughts."

Following his talk, NAS Oceana Executive Officer Capt. Bob Geis presented several gifts to Stanley, including the book, "The Constitution," and the executive officer's coin.

"Your words are so inspiring to me," said Geis as he thanked Stanley for taking time to speak at Oceana.

Following the presentation, Stanley met with many of those attending, shaking hands, posing for photos and sharing their faith and stories.