U.S. government marks National Day of Prayer

Washington D.C., May 4, 2005 / 22:00 pm

President George W. Bush has invited all U.S. citizens to join in observing the National Day of Prayer today and “to give thanks, each according to his or her own faith.”

The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday of May.

“Since our Nation's earliest days, prayer has given strength and comfort to Americans of all faiths,” the president said in his proclamation for the National Day of Prayer. “Our Founding Fathers relied on their faith to guide them as they built our democracy. Today, we continue to be inspired by God's blessings, mercy, and boundless love.”

The president referred to the country’s great presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, and to the way they led the nation in prayer.

The National Day of Prayer allows Americans to “humbly acknowledge our reliance on the Almighty, express our gratitude for His blessings, and seek His guidance in our daily lives.”

The national day also calls on U.S. citizens “to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the freedom of religion,” Bush said.

“As we face the challenges of our times, God's purpose continues to guide us, and we continue to trust in the goodness of His plans,” he concluded.

For more information on the National Day of Prayer, go to: http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org