Bush Leads White House National Day of Prayer

May 4, 2006

Source: Beliefnet

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/190/story_19073_1.html

On May 4, 2006 Beliefnet reported, "Calling the United States 'a nation of prayer,' President Bush marked the annual National Day of Prayer with an interfaith ceremony at the White House on Thursday (May 4). 'On this special day, we give thanks for the many ways that America has been blessed, and we acknowledge the Almighty, who is the source of these blessings,' the president told a crowd of about 150 representing Christians, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists. The White House event was one of many across the country that involved millions of Americans, from Mount Rushmore to Capitol Hill, for the 55th annual observance. 'The Almighty is pleased when Americans turn to him in a posture of prayer and repentance,' said Shirley Dobson, chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and wife of James Dobson, the founder of the Colorado-based Focus on the Family ministry. Bush thanked Shirley Dobson for organizing the events at the White House and beyond. The 45-minute ceremony in the East Room included the recitation by Atlanta author Henry Blackaby of the 2006 'Prayer for the Nation' he wrote at the request of her task force. Contemporary Christian vocalist Rebecca St. James performed 'Honor God,' the theme song for this year's celebration. At the end of her rendition, Bush and others gathered for the ceremony sang the words of the chorus with her.