[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
[February 5, 2004]
[Pages 182-184]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast
February 5, 2004

    Thank you and good morning. Laura and I are 
honored to join you once again for this annual prayer breakfast. This 
event brings us together for fellowship, and it's a good chance to see 
who gets up early in Washington. [Laughter]
    I appreciate the warm welcome. I appreciate the friendship and the 
kindred spirit. All of us believe in the power of prayer. And for a lot 
of people here in Washington, a prayer has been answered with three 
words: Coach Joe Gibbs. [Laughter] Joe is admired 
for a great career, and even more, he is respected for his convictions 
and his character. Joe, we're glad to see you back on the job. I'm all 
in favor of second terms. [Laughter]
    This event is also a chance to hear beautiful songs of praise. 
Shortly, we'll hear the wonderful voice of Twila Paris. And Laura and I were delighted 
once again to hear the Watoto chorus from Uganda. This is our third time 
to hear these beautiful voices. I hope to hear them a lot more. These 
boys and girls have known great sadness and loss, yet their voices carry 
a message of hope and joy. And we're so glad--so glad--they could be 
with us here this morning.
    I appreciate being in the presence of John Abizaid, our general. He is a decent

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and honorable man. I want to thank Senators Inhofe and Nelson for taking time out of 
their busy days to organize this important prayer breakfast. I 
appreciate your leadership. I appreciate being in the presence of--
[applause]--a little slow to catch on there.
    I see the majority leader, Frist, is here, and a lot of Members of 
the Senate, and a lot of Members of the House. Thank you all for coming, 
members of my Cabinet who are here, members of the Joint Chiefs I see, 
distinguished citizens.
    When we come together every year, we leave aside the debates of the 
working day. We recognize our dependence on God and pray with one voice 
for His blessings on our country. We're in the Capital of the most 
powerful nation on Earth, yet we recognize the limits of all earthly 
power. God serves His own purposes and does not owe us an explanation. 
In prayer, we ask for wisdom and guidance, and the answers seldom come 
in blinding revelations. Yet prayer can bring good things, grace for the 
moment and faith in the future.
    Americans are a prayerful people, and this past year we've offered 
many prayers. We have prayed for the safety of our Nation and for those 
who defend us. We've prayed for the families of men and women killed or 
wounded in conflict, that in grief and trouble, God may be their refuge 
and their strength. We've prayed for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, 
that they may live in safety and in freedom. Many Americans have prayed 
every day and every week for those in authority, and I thank them for 
that wonderful gift, and I know you do as well.
    Many prayers also express our gratitude, and Americans in a time of 
danger have found much to be grateful for. We are thankful for the 
goodness and character of our fellow citizens, revealed on the morning 
of September the 11th and present every day in the life of this country. 
We are thankful that we live in a free nation, with the strength to 
defend our freedom. We are thankful for the brave and decent men and 
women of the United States military who volunteer to defend us all.
    America's Armed Forces have shown great skill in battle, 
perseverance under extremely difficult conditions. They've also shown 
the best of our country in other ways as well. The world has seen the 
kind of people America sends forth from our towns and neighborhoods to 
serve in freedom's cause. They are the sort of people who, when the 
fighting is done, are kind and compassionate toward innocent citizens. 
And their compassion, as much as their courage, has made this country 
proud.
    As General Abizaid can attest, the 
people under our command in Iraq have been caring and generous toward 
the people they have liberated. Seeing great need, our service men and 
women have rebuilt hospitals, repaired schools, and organized the 
donation of books and clothing and toys for Iraqi children. Others have 
helped to build clinics and lay out soccer fields.
    One member of the Army National Guard, Specialist Glenn 
Carlson, spent his time on leave in New York, 
collecting children's clothing to take back to Iraq. Here's what he 
says: ``I think that in the end, it will be the simple acts of kindness 
that make the difference.'' Specialist Carlson and many others are 
helping to build a free Iraq, not only by using force against the 
violent but by extending the friendship and compassion of the American 
people.
    Our people in uniform understand the high calling they have answered 
because they see the nation and the lives they are changing. A guardsman 
from Utah named Paul Holton has described seeing 
an Iraqi girl crying and decided then and there to help that child and 
others like her. By enlisting aid through the Internet, Chief Warrant 
Officer Holton had arranged the shipment of more than 1,600 aid packages 
from overseas. Here's how this man defines his own mission: ``It is part 
of our heritage that the benefits of being free, enjoyed by

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all Americans, were set up by God, intended for all people. Bondage is 
not of God, and it is not right that any man should be in bondage at any 
time, in any way.'' Everyone in this room can say amen to that.
    There's another part of our heritage we are showing in Iraq, and 
that is the great American tradition of religious tolerance. The Iraqi 
people are mostly Muslims, and we respect the faith they practice. Our 
troops in Iraq have helped to refurbish mosques, have treated Muslim 
clerics with deference, and are mindful of Islam's holy days. Some of 
our troops are Muslims themselves, because America welcomes people of 
every faith. Christians and Jews and Muslims have too often been divided 
by old suspicions, but we are called to act as what we are, the sons and 
daughters of Abraham.
    Our work in a troubled part of the world goes on, and what we have 
begun, we will finish. In the years of challenge, our country will 
remain strong and strong of heart. And as we meet whatever test might 
come, let us never be too proud to acknowledge our dependence on 
Providence and to take our cares to God.
    I want to thank you for continuing this fine annual tradition and 
for your hospitality. May God bless you, and may He always watch over 
our country. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 7:50 a.m. at the Washington Hilton Hotel. 
In his remarks, he referred to Joe Gibbs, head coach, Washington 
Redskins, National Football League; Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA, combatant 
commander, U.S. Central Command; and Senators James M. Inhofe and Bill 
Nelson, cochairmen, National Prayer Breakfast.