National Day of Prayer

Floor Speech

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER -- (House of Representatives - May 03, 2007)

(Mr. ADERHOLT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to this, the first Thursday in May, as the National Day of Prayer. The 56th annual National Day of Prayer is being recognized today, May 3, across our great Nation in tens of thousands of ceremonies and services nationwide.

The National Day of Prayer traces its history back to 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a Nation. In 1952, a joint resolution of Congress was signed into law by President Truman. In 1988, President Reagan signed a law permanently marking the first Thursday of every May as the National Day of Prayer.

As in previous years, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation regarding the 2007 observance. He specifically asked that the Nation remember in their prayers the members of our Armed Forces, their families, as well as the students and families affected by the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech.

Chairman Shirley Dobson and Vice Chairman Brian Toon have done an outstanding job in coordinating these events that will take place across this land. Dr. Charles Swindoll will serve as Honorary Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, across the street, here on Capitol Hill in the Cannon House Office Building at noon is when the events will begin. However, whether you're in Washington, D.C., you're in Alabama, North Dakota, I encourage the American people to come together in the spirit of Jesus and take a few minutes to thank God for the blessings upon this Nation, and ask Him to guide and protect us in the days to come.

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