[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8242--APR. 21, 2008

Proclamation 8242 of April 21, 2008
National Day of Prayer, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
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 Psalm 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 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 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 twenty-first day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
GEORGE W. BUSH