[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H5313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SEEKING THE BLESSING AND PROTECTION OF ALMIGHTY GOD

  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, the Father of our Country, George 
Washington, said on the occasion of the 9th of July 1776: ``The 
blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, but 
especially so in times of public distress and danger.''
  Today is the 58th celebration of our National Day of Prayer. It is 
the day that Americans from coast to coast will set aside time to pray 
for this Nation, our soldiers, public safety officials and public 
servants, from the President of the United States to the city council.
  Since first called to prayer in 1775 when the Continental Congress 
asked the Colonies to pray for wisdom forming the Nation, prayer has 
been at the center of our national life, including President Lincoln's 
famous proclamation for humility, fasting and prayer in 1863, through 
when in 1952 President Truman signed a joint resolution of Congress 
creating this day.
  It is said in the Old Book that the effective and fervent prayer of a 
righteous man availeth much. What is true of man, I would say, is also 
true of nations.
  During this National Day of Prayer, during these challenging times, 
let it be said again, we are a Nation of prayer.

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