National Day of Prayer, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Since our Nation's earliest days, prayer has given strength and
comfort to Americans of all faiths. 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. As we observe
this National Day of Prayer, we humbly acknowledge our reliance on the
Almighty, express our gratitude for His blessings, and seek His guidance
in our daily lives.
Throughout our history, our Nation has turned to prayer for strength
and guidance in times of challenge and uncertainty. The Continental
Congress, meeting in 1775, asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in
forming a new Nation. Throughout the Civil War, President Abraham
Lincoln issued exhortations to prayer, calling upon the American people
to humble themselves before their Maker and to serve all those in need.
At the height of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt led our
citizens in prayer over the radio, asking for God to protect our sons in
battle. Today, our Nation prays for those who serve bravely in the
United States Armed Forces in difficult missions around the world, and
we pray for their families.
Across our country, Americans turn daily to God in reverence. We ask
Him to care for all those who suffer or feel helpless, knowing that God
sees their needs and calls on us to meet them. As our first President
wrote in 1790, "May the father of all mercies scatter light and not
darkness in our paths . . .". 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.
The Congress by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our
citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the
freedom of religion by recognizing annually a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim May 5, 2005, as a National Day of Prayer. I
ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or
her own faith, for the liberty and blessings we have received and for
God's continued guidance and protection. I also urge all Americans to
join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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