[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 16 (Monday, April 23, 2007)]
[Pages 502-503]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8129--National Day of Prayer, 2007

 April 20, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    A prayerful spirit has always been an important part of our national 
character, and it is a force that has guided the American people, given 
us strength, and sustained us in moments of joy and in times of 
challenge. On this National Day of Prayer, we acknowledge God's grace 
and ask for His continued guidance in the life of our Nation.
    Americans of many faiths and traditions share a common belief that 
God hears the prayers of His children and shows grace to those who seek 
Him. Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech, in towns all across 
America, in houses of worship from every faith, Americans have joined 
together to pray for the lives that were lost and for their families, 
friends, and loved ones. We hold the victims in our hearts and pray for 
those who suffer and grieve. There is a power in these prayers, and we 
can find comfort in the grace and guidance of a loving God.
    At this important time in our history, we also pray for the brave 
members of our Armed Forces and their families. We pray for their 
safety, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace we all seek.
    The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our 
Nation to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to respect the 
freedom of religion by recognizing each year a ``National Day of 
Prayer.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim May 3, 2007, 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 freedoms and blessings we have received and for 
God's

[[Page 503]]

continued guidance, comfort, and protection. I invite all Americans to 
join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:29 a.m., April 23, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
April 24.