[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8374--MAY 7, 2009

Proclamation 8374 of May 7, 2009
National Day of Prayer, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have come together in moments
of great challenge and uncertainty to humble themselves in prayer. In
1775, as the Continental Congress began the task of forging a new
Nation, colonists were asked to observe a day of quiet humiliation and
prayer. Almost a century later, as the flames of the Civil War burned
from north to south, President Lincoln and the Congress once again asked
the American people to pray as the fate of their Nation hung in the
balance.
It is in that spirit of unity and reflection that we once again
designate the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Let
us remember those who came before us, and let us each give thanks for
the courage and compassion shown by so many in this country and around
the world.
On this day of unity and prayer, let us also honor the service and
sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We
celebrate their commitment to uphold our highest ideals, and we
recognize that it is because of them that we continue to live in a
Nation where people of all faiths can worship or not worship according
to the dictates of their conscience.
Let us also use this day to come together in a moment of peace and
goodwill. Our world grows smaller by the day, and our varied beliefs can
bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make
peace where there is strife; and to lift up those who have fallen on
hard times. As we observe this day of prayer, we remember the one law
that binds all great religions together: the Golden Rule, and its call
to love one another; to understand one another; and to treat with
dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this
Earth.

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123 STAT. 3643

The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on the
President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first
Thursday in May as a ``National Day of Prayer.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2009, as a National Day of Prayer. I
call upon Americans to pray in thanksgiving for our freedoms and
blessings and to ask for God's continued guidance, grace, and protection
for this land that we love.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA