c. 2003 Religion News Service

WASHINGTON _ Religious and political leaders joined together for a National Day of Prayer observance Thursday (May 1) on Capitol Hill as similar gatherings were held across the nation in locations ranging from the White House to stadiums to office buildings.

Hundreds of Christians meeting at the Cannon House Office Building were urged by speakers to foster a movement of prayer intertwined with humility and repentance.

“God lifts up a nation through individuals who are righteous,” said evangelist Luis Palau, an Argentinian whose ministry is based in Oregon.

Attorney General John Ashcroft continued the theme, saying freedom is granted by God, not by people.

“It’s important for us not to become intoxicated with the power that America now has,” he said. “Greatness isn’t to be found in power but it’s to be found in humility and righteousness. President Bush commands the good and the mighty armed forces of the United States, but he understands that it is faith and prayer that are the sources of this nation’s strength.”

At this ceremony and others, religious leaders and politicians took turns sharing the importance of faith in their personal lives.

“Millions of Americans seek guidance every day in prayer to the Almighty God,” Bush said in early-morning remarks at the White House. “I’m one of them.”

He reiterated his appreciation of others’ prayers for him and his family.

“I also know that many Americans remember Laura and me in their prayers, and we are so very, very grateful,” the president said. “To pray for someone else is an act of generosity. We set our own cares aside and look to strengthen another.”

Vonette Bright, co-chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, led the Capitol Hill gathering in prayers for the executive branch after first asking the audience to turn toward the back of the Cannon Caucus Room, in the direction of the White House.

In an interview, she marveled at the public religiosity of the nation’s leaders.

“We have more outspoken believers in our government today, I think, probably, than since our nation was first founded,” she said, citing Bush and members of Congress.

In many ceremonies and in Bush’s proclamation marking the day, the recent hostilities in Iraq were recalled, with thanks offered to God for the short duration of the war and prayers uttered for military members and their families who suffered.

“Our armed forces have achieved great success on the battlefield, but challenges still lie ahead,” the presidential proclamation reads. “Prayer will not make our path easy, yet prayer can give us strength and hope for the journey.”

Outside Washington, tens of thousands of other gatherings were planned for the day.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force said small and large meetings took place in churches, parks and capitols.

Shirley Dobson, chairman of the task force, said about eight events were planned in stadiums that were likely to draw 10,000 to 20,000 people each.

“We are part of a great chorus of prayer that is ascending to heaven to pray for our nation and those who lead us,” she said.

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Tyson Foods, which says in its core values that it strives “to honor God,” offered its employees the opportunity to participate via videoconference in a National Day of Prayer event at its headquarters in Springdale, Ark.

Spokesman Ed Nicholson said the observance would be led by a corporate chaplain and managers and executives of the company known for its chicken, beef and pork products.

Interested employees at as many as 50 plants across the country could participate in the videoconference or tune in on a webcast or through an 800 phone number.

“It’s not mandated,” Nicholson said. “They’re free to observe it or not or observe it in their own way.”

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As the tradition established by Congress continued for the 52nd time, the protests from groups supporting church-state separation also continued.

Annie Laurie Gaylor, spokeswoman for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, said she views the day as one used by the religious right to state their case in front of politicians.

“It’s not just being pious,” she said. “It’s clearly flexing their right-wing muscles in front of legislators.”

Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, said the gatherings are following a biblical mandate in 1st Timothy to pray for people in positions of authority. She believes the idea of church-state separation, first penned in a letter by Thomas Jefferson, is often misunderstood.

“Actually, what it was intended to mean was the government should not influence the church, but it had nothing to do with the church influencing government,” she said.

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Palau, who served as honorary chairman for the observance this year, wrote the following prayer for the day:

“Our Father and our God,

“We thank you for the many blessings you have poured out on America and we praise you for your mercy.

“You have said, `Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.’ We confess, O Lord, our national and personal sins. We repent and ask forgiveness for all actions that dishonor you. O God, bless our president and other leaders. Provide them with wisdom and move them to honor you. Deliver this great nation from all our enemies as we recommit ourselves to trust, serve and obey your commands. We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.”

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