[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 55 (Thursday, May 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

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                            HON. JOEL HEFLEY

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 1997

  Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's first call to prayer came in 
1775 when the Continental Congress asked the Colonies to pray for 
wisdom in forming a nation. Since then, the call to prayer has 
continued throughout our history. In 1952, a joint resolution by 
Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, National Day 
of Prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, 
permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
  Today is the National Day of Prayer.
  We are celebrating in the Cannon caucus room all day--from 10 a.m. to 
3 p.m. Military Chiefs of Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, Senators, and 
Representatives are gathering to ask for prayers from the people. You 
see, the National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans of all faiths. 
It stands as a call to us to humbly come before God, seeking His 
guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people.
  Please join me today by stopping by the Cannon caucus room to 
celebrate this great event. It is our prayer that during this National 
Day of Prayer, America will again remember the trust that made this 
Nation great.

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