[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8812--MAY 1, 2012

Proclamation 8812 of May 1, 2012

National Day of Prayer, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Prayer has always been a part of the American story, and today countless
Americans rely on prayer for comfort, direction, and strength, praying
not only for themselves, but for their communities, their country, and
the world.
On this National Day of Prayer, we give thanks for our democracy that
respects the beliefs and protects the religious freedom of all people to
pray, worship, or abstain according to the dictates of their conscience.
Let us pray for all the citizens of our great Nation, particularly those
who are sick, mourning, or without hope, and ask God for the sustenance
to meet the challenges we face as a Nation. May we embrace the
responsibility we have to each other, and rely on the better angels of
our nature in service to one another. Let us be humble in our
convictions, and courageous in our virtue. Let us pray for those who are
suffering around the world, and let us be open to opportunities to ease
that suffering.
Let us also pay tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces who
have answered our country's call to serve with honor in the pursuit of
peace. Our grateful Nation is humbled by the sacrifices made


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to protect
and defend our security and freedom. Let us pray for the continued
strength and safety of our service members and their families. While we
pause to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending
liberty, let us remember and lend our voices to the principles for which
they fought--unity, human dignity, and the pursuit of justice.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim May 3, 2012, as a National Day of Prayer. I
invite all citizens of our Nation, as their own faith directs them, to
join me in giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and I call
upon individuals of all faiths to pray for guidance, grace, and
protection for our great Nation as we address the challenges of our
time.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA