The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Dr. Mark Gooden

Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church
Johnson City, TN

Sponsor: Rep. David Roe, (R-TN)
Date of Prayer: 03/18/2015

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Mark Gooden of Johnson City, Tennessee, for his service today as a guest chaplain of the House of Representatives.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Gooden has served as a spiritual light to over half a dozen churches across Tennessee as a pastor and an elder. I have personally had the privilege of knowing him as the senior pastor of my home church, Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, in my hometown of Johnson City, Tennessee.

Mark and his wife, Judy, have been a blessing in my life. Mark ministered to my wife during her recent illness and prayed with my family minutes before she passed, and for this I will be eternally grateful.

I am proud to recognize Dr. Gooden today as a guest chaplain of the House of Representatives.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Dear God, I give You praise this morning for Your goodness and mercy, Your steadfast love, and Your wonderful grace. Holy is Your name.

I pray for these Congresswomen and –men who represent the people across this land. These faithful servants sought public office to make a difference. Help them to stay the course and to compromise when conscience allows, but stand strong in their convictions when they can do no less. For their work ahead, I pray that You grant them clarity of thought, wisdom, and understanding. Some here are hurting and grieving; please comfort them and give them peace.

I pray that You forgive us as a people when we react with hatred and not kindness, when we are quick to speak and slow to listen, when we seek not to be understood but to judge. Help us to remember what You require of us: that we act justly, that we love mercy, and that we walk humbly with You.

Amen.

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