[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7896--MAY 3, 2005
Proclamation 7896 of May 3, 2005
National Day of Prayer, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since our Nation's earliest days, prayer has given strength and comfort
to Americans of all faiths. Our Founding Fathers relied on their faith
to guide them as they built our democracy. Today, we continue to be
inspired by God's blessings, mercy, and boundless love. As we observe
this National Day of Prayer, we humbly acknowledge our reliance on the
Almighty, express our gratitude for His blessings, and seek His guidance
in our daily lives.
Throughout our history, our Nation has turned to prayer for strength and
guidance in times of challenge and uncertainty. The Continental
Congress, meeting in 1775, asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in
forming a new Nation. Throughout the Civil War, President Abraham
Lincoln issued exhortations to prayer, calling upon the American people
to humble themselves before their Maker and to serve all those in need.
At the height of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt led our
citizens in prayer over the radio, asking for God to protect our sons in
battle. Today, our Nation prays for those who serve bravely in the
United States Armed Forces in difficult missions around the world, and
we pray for their families.
Across our country, Americans turn daily to God in reverence. We ask Him
to care for all those who suffer or feel helpless, knowing that God sees
their needs and calls on us to meet them. As our first President wrote
in 1790, ``May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness
in our paths . . .'';. As we face the challenges of our times, God's
purpose continues to guide us, and we continue to trust in the goodness
of His plans.
The Congress by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our
citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the
freedom of religion by recognizing annually a ``National Day of
Prayer.'';

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119 STAT. 3745

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim May 5, 2005, as a National Day of Prayer. I
ask the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, each according to his or
her own faith, for the liberty and blessings we have received and for
God's continued guidance and protection. I also urge all Americans to
join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH