For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 22, 2008




A Proclamation by the President of the United States of
America


America trusts in the abiding power of prayer and asks for the wisdom to discern God's will in
times of joy and of trial. As we observe this National Day of Prayer, we recognize our
dependence on the Almighty, we thank Him for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us,
and we put our country's future in His hands.


From our Nation's humble beginnings, prayer has guided our leaders and played a vital role in the
life and history of the United States. Americans of many different faiths share the profound
conviction that God listens to the voice of His children and pours His grace upon those who seek
Him in prayer. By surrendering our lives to our loving Father, we learn to serve His eternal
purposes, and we are strengthened, refreshed, and ready for all that may come.


On this National Day of Prayer, we ask God's continued blessings on our country. This year's
theme, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield," is taken from Psalms 28:7, "The Lord is my
strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." On this day, we pray for the
safety of our brave men and women in uniform, for their families, and for the comfort and
recovery of those who have been wounded.


The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called on our Nation to reaffirm the role 
of prayer in our society 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 1, 2008 as a National Day of Prayer. I ask all 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 continued guidance, comfort, and protection. I invite all Americans to join
in observing this day with appropriate progams, ceremonies, and activities.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here unto set my hand this twenty-first day of April, in the year of the Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and thirty-second.


GEORGE W. BUSH

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