The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Dr. Todd Jones

First Presbyterian Church
Nashville, TN

Sponsor: Rep. Jim Cooper, (D-TN)
Date of Prayer: 10/08/2009

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome to the Chamber today Rev. Dr. Todd Jones and his wife, Connie. Dr. Jones is the reverend at the First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He has led that congregation since 2002. He is a native of Pennsylvania who was educated at the University of Pittsburgh and went on to get his degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. After that, he did a 1–year fellowship in Scotland at the University of Edinburgh.

He first pastored at churches in South Carolina, where he had attended Presbyterian College. We feel very graced to have his presence in Nashville, Tennessee. He does a superb job, and he is very active in the community.

For example, he is on the board of the Boy Scouts as well as Goodwill Industries. So we are very thankful for his leading this body in prayer today.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Eternal God, before whom generations rise and pass away, we give thanks today for this nation, "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal," that all bear some mark of the Divine image; so bless this body of legislators with wisdom and a passion "to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with Thee."

Guide and direct their work, O Lord, that it may bring blessing and honor to this land, and lead to an increase of freedom, a deepening of joy, and enrich the health and welfare of all her citizens.

Grant that a large–hearted and clear–minded spirit may prevail, and that our nation’s common good may be served and strengthened by the actions of this body.

Establish this nation in righteousness, and grant that we may be makers of peace, artisans of goodness and keepers of the bright light of freedom.

We pray this in the name of the Living God, the Creator and Redeemer of all that is or ever shall be. Amen.

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