    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 2, 2002]
    [Pages 708-709]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a National Day of Prayer Reception
    May 2, 2002

        Welcome to the White House. One of the best things about my job is,
    sometimes I get introduced by my wife--
    [laughter]--who I love dearly.
        Today we continue a tradition that is as old as our Nation itself,
    setting aside a day in which Americans are encouraged to pray, pray for
    their neighbors, and pray for our Nation. The National Day of Prayer is
    a vital part of our national heritage, because prayer is a vital part of
    our national life.
        I'm grateful to all of you who remind us that a great people must
    spend time on bended knee, in humility, searching for wisdom in the
    presence of the Almighty. I want to thank the Heritage Signature Chorale
    and Dr. Stanley Thurston for being here
    today. I want to thank Amy Burton, soloist of the
    New York City Opera, and we're sure glad you brought your son. I want to thank Shirley Dobson, who is the chair of the National Day of Prayer Task

    [[Page 709]]

    Force. Thank you for your leadership, Shirley. I want to thank Dr. Lloyd
    Ogilvie and Dr. Daniel Coughlin for being here as well. I'm honored that you both
    came. And Lloyd, thank you--and Shirley--for your beautiful comments. It
    really meant a lot.
        When the first Continental Congress met at Carpenters Hall in
    Philadelphia, one of its first official acts was prayer. In 1779, the
    Day of Prayer Proclamation asked that ``Almighty God would grant the
    blessings of peace to all contending nations, freedom to those who are
    in bondage, and comfort to the afflicted.''
        During our Nation's darkest hour, our Nation's greatest President
    called America back to prayer. President Abraham Lincoln urged his
    fellow citizens to ``look to the redeeming and preserving grace of
    God.'' And Americans wisely accepted President Lincoln's counsel.
        America is a country of faith. And throughout our history, in times
    of crisis and in times of calm, Americans have always turned to prayer.
    And this year's event has special meaning. Since the attacks of
    September the 11th, millions--millions--of Americans of every religious
    faith have been led to prayer. They have prayed for comfort in a time of
    sorrow, for courage in a time of fear, and for understanding in a time
    of anger. They have prayed for wisdom in the midst of war and for
    strength on the journey ahead.
        These prayers have been made in private homes and in houses of
    worship, alone and with others, in moments of doubt and in times of
    thanksgiving. These prayers have been heartfelt, and they have made a
    tremendous difference. Prayer for others is a generous act. It sweeps
    away bitterness and heals old wounds. Prayer leads to greater humility
    and a more grateful spirit. It strengthens our commitment to things that
    last and things that matter. It deepens our love for one another.
        Prayer also deepens faith, reminding us of great truths: Evil and
    suffering are only for a time; love and hope endure. Even in the world's
    most bitter conflicts, prayer reminds us of God's love and grace, His
    mercy and faithfulness, the hope He provides, and the peace He promises.
        Prayer is central to the lives of countless Americans, including
    Laura's and mine. We have been blessed by the prayers of millions of
    Americans. We could ask for no greater gift from our countrymen.
        I want to thank you all for coming here to the White House to
    celebrate this special day, for your devotion to prayer, and for your
    love of this country, and for the Lord who has blessed it for so long.
        May God bless you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:45 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Stanley Thurston, director,
    Heritage Signature Chorale; Amy Burton, soloist, New York City Opera,
    and her son, Joshua; Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Senate Chaplain; and Rev. Daniel
    P. Coughlin, House Chaplain. The National Day of Prayer proclamation of
    April 26 is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.