Bush urges Americans to pray in thanksgiving for their freedom

Published: 2005-05-06

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Americans need to pray in thanksgiving for their freedom and for the wisdom to use their freedom wisely, said President George W. Bush on the annual National Day of Prayer May 5. In a six-minute speech at a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, the president said prayer "continues to play an important part in the personal lives of many Americans." He added, "Every day, millions of us turn to the Almighty in reverence and humility. Every day our churches and synagogues and mosques and temples are filled with men and women who pray to our Maker." The president was joined in the interfaith ceremony by other speakers including: Father Charles Pope, pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Washington; Shirley Dobson, chairwoman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force; Rabbi Kenneth Auman, president of the Rabbinical Council of America; and Bishop Peter Weaver, president of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church.

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