[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8948-8949]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                STATEMENT ON THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I begin with the following quote: ``Without 
the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot 
succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go 
with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us 
confidently hope that all will yet be well.''--Abraham Lincoln as he 
began his inaugural journey from Illinois to Washington, D.C., February 
11, 1861.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout the history of our Nation, leaders have 
turned to prayer for guidance and inspiration. Our Founding Fathers 
built this country on the principle that its citizens had a God-given 
right to freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
  Since that time, America has been a beacon for millions in search of 
religious freedom.
  The first Thursday of May of each year is set aside as the National 
Day of Prayer. This

[[Page 8949]]

day serves to recognize the important role of prayer in our nation's 
past, present and future.
  We recognize today, Thursday, May 6 as the National Day of Prayer. 
Because of the recent events here at home and abroad, I believe this 
day has a special significance this year.
  The recent events in Yugoslavia and Colorado have sharply reminded us 
that life is fragile and sometimes fleeting. While our nation is 
troubled by the senseless death and destruction that surrounds the war 
in Europe and the shooting in Littleton, we can take comfort in the 
fact that our nation is also actively working to repair and heal 
itself.
  As a new member of Congress, I have been thrust into the middle of 
the many policy debates that shape our nation. Often times there are 
tough choices to be made, and I am comforted by the fact that I have 
the ability and the freedom to turn to prayer as a source of guidance.
  I hope that we as a nation will make time everyday for a period of 
prayer and reflection.

                          ____________________