[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H2933-H2934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

  (Mr. DeLAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, in 1861, Abraham Lincoln signed a 
proclamation that recommended

       * * * a day of public humiliation, prayer, and fasting to 
     be observed by the people of the United States with religious 
     solemnities, and the offering of fervent supplications to 
     Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His 
     blessings on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace.

  Then, strife and war were tearing apart the United States, and to 
many Americans, prayer was the only way to survive those difficult 
times.
  Times in America are better now. We are at peace. Our economy is 
booming, and things seem to be going pretty well. But, Mr. Speaker, 
today we need the power of prayer more than ever. Despite the 
appearance of good times,

[[Page H2934]]

many Americans feel that there is a moral crisis in our Nation.
  Today is the National Day of Prayer, a time when all Americans can 
come together and reflect on our Creator and the blessings He has 
bestowed on this Nation. I think it is altogether fitting and 
appropriate that we continue the traditions of Abraham Lincoln and join 
together in this National Day of Prayer.

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