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Local Baptist pastor will be 'chaplain for a day' on Capitol Hill
"It's a great honor," said Thomas, pastor of Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church. "A church member, Boyd McLean, submitted my name to be chaplain for a day back in December. He's worked with Rep. John Spratt and Sen. Lindsey Graham before so I'll be going to both houses of Congress. I'll visit the Senate in September." Thomas and McLean will be heading to Washington on April 4. "It's cherry blossom time up there now, so I know it will be beautiful," Thomas said. "I'll lead the prayer at about 8:15 a.m. Prior to that, Rep. Spratt will read a brief biographical piece about me for the House members to hear. And then I'll spend the day with him and the official chaplain, Dr. Daniel Coughlin." Although he's very excited about it now, it wasn't always a guarantee that Thomas would be selected. "When Boyd first submitted my name, he told me not to expect anything of it," Thomas recalled. "This was last year and sure enough a few days later I got a letter in the mail from Washington explaining that they receive many requests from many worthy candidates. I was really shocked when I got the message they had selected me. Because of scheduling, I'll go to the Senate on Sept. 21." Although a great honor, the opening prayer has become largely ceremonial in the modern Congress. Thomas was given strict instructions about topics and length. "I had to submit my prayer in writing and have it approved," he said. "They don't want you up there using it as a political platform. And it can't be too long." Thomas submitted this prayer: "Gracious God, our Heavenly Father, we humbly come to you today to seek your guidance knowing we take only one step at a time. Luminate each step as only you can and keep us strong in our path. Oh Lord, grant that we will live together as people of vision and understanding as well as promise and peace. "We pray for our president and members of this body as they serve. Encourage and strengthen them with your power and wisdom. Protect our military and our law enforcement men and women. Give comfort to their families and refresh their spirit. Make us mindful of our responsibilities and grateful for our opportunities to do your will. We pray this in the name above every other name. Amen." The meeting might give Thomas a few more of his 15 minutes of fame. "I understand sometimes they show the prayer on CSPAN," he laughed. "But I usually surf by that channel." |
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