The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Carlton Cross

First United Methodist Church
Prescott, AR

Sponsor: Rep. Mike Ross, (D-AR)
Date of Prayer: 11/04/2009

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Ross) is recognized for 1 minute.

There was no objection.

Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend and pastor, Rev. Carlton Cross , from my hometown of Prescott, Arkansas, and today's guest chaplain in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As an ordained deacon and elder, Rev. Cross has been serving in the United Methodist Church for the past 20 years. Leading congregations throughout Arkansas, Rev. Cross is well respected and admired wherever he goes.

Possessing a great passion for mission work, Rev. Cross' impact on the community reaches far beyond the pulpit, including his active involvement in the Ozark Mission Project for the past 15 years.

Rev. Cross is a graduate of Arkansas State University and holds a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Tracy, have 10–year–old twins, Brady and Shelby.

Rev. Cross currently serves First Methodist United Church in Prescott, where my family and I are members. As a close personal friend and my spiritual guide, I can attest to Rev. Cross' sincere commitment to his church, his community, his faith and his country.

It is my distinct privilege and honor to recognize Rev. Carlton Cross as guest chaplain on this day in the United States House of Representatives.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Let us pray:
Almighty God we pray with thanksgiving for the breath of life. May we be an example of your love and let us be thankful for this earth that you have shared with us.

We take this opportunity to ask for wisdom for all the world leaders. At the time of creation you tell us that your creation was good. Let us in faithful service do our part to continue your goodness.

We lift our prayers for President Obama, the House of Representatives and the Senate Floor. We lift our prayers on behalf of all government, state and local leaders.

We pray for our armed forces. We ask your protection for them physically, emotionally and spiritually. We lift to you the families that have lost loved ones in faithful service to our country.

God, offer the House of Representatives the wisdom to conduct the business of the day in a way that would be pleasing to you.

Hear our prayers, Lord. Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory