[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12054]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

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                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 2009

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join the millions of Americans who will participate in the National Day 
of Prayer on Thursday, May 7, 2009.
  Since the earliest days of our republic, our nation's leaders have 
seen fit to formally acknowledge the value and power of our people's 
prayers by designating specific times where we encourage prayer for the 
future of our country. President Truman declared the first National Day 
of Prayer in 1952, and in 1988 President Reagan signed a law declaring 
that the first Thursday in May would be an annual National Day of 
Prayer.
  I can think of no greater calling than for people of all ages, races, 
and religious creeds to join together and raise their prayers and 
petitions to the Almighty.
  To that end, the YMCA of Middle of Tennessee and the Operation Andrew 
Group are organizing National Day of Prayer events all across Middle 
Tennessee. These events will encourage citizens to pray for the future 
of our communities and our nation, to pray for those placed in 
positions of societal leadership, and to thank God for the many 
blessings we enjoy.
  At the Maryland Farms YMCA, in the City of Brentwood, individuals 
will gather to lift up prayers and participate in this wonderful 
occasion.
  I invite all Members of Congress to please join me in praying for the 
City of Brentwood, the State of Tennessee, and the United States of 
America during the National Day of Prayer.

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