[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 55 (Thursday, May 1, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, May 1 is a special day in the United 
States of America. It has been designated and observed as a national 
day of prayer. Citizens across the country--having recognized that 
those of us in positions of responsibility need the kind of wisdom to 
allow us to make good decisions--have today been observing this 
National Day of Prayer in our behalf. I rise to thank them.
  Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the crisis that perhaps did more to 
threaten this country and at the same time, more to unify it than any 
other crisis in history, continued to have a strong commitment and 
dedication to the concept of prayer when he called upon the Nation to 
reserve a time for repentance, for introspection, and for prayer.
  This Nation has survived great challenges--yet still faces great 
challenges. I believe that its success in the face of challenge in 
large measure is due to the fact that people have prayed.
  A couple thousand years ago, when the Apostle Paul was writing a 
letter to his friend Timothy, he advised Timothy to say, ``Pray for 
each other and pray especially for those who are in authority that we 
may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all Godliness and honesty.''
  I think that was good advice 2,000 years ago, and it is good advice 
today.
  I rise today, as we close this day in the U.S. Senate, to say to 
those Americans who have been a part of this observance, referred to as 
the ``National Day of Prayer,'' thank you for your prayers and, as a 
matter of fact, I think all America owes a debt of gratitude to those 
who have carried the well-being and welfare of this country to God in 
prayer on a regular basis. It is with that in mind that I believe the 
National Day of Prayer is a strong symbol that we have prayer all 
year--on a continuing basis so that we might do things that advance the 
very cause for which I think God sent his Son to the world--that we 
might live life and live it more abundantly. That is the true position 
of Government, that we would create conditions under which people could 
live and live in greater abundance and greater freedom.
  So I take this moment to reflect upon those who have cared enough to 
pray for us and to extend to them my appreciation for what they have 
done in our behalf.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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