[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 18 (Monday, May 6, 2002)]
[Pages 734-735]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

[[Page 735]]

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.