The National Day of Prayer, an annual event that began in 1952 with a joint resolution of Congress, kicked off on Capitol Hill Thursday morning with a call to Christian arms via this year's theme: "Prayer – America's Hope."
Shirley Dobson, chairman of the prayer task force, opened ceremonies with a thanks for all "to come and worship the Lord and to ask for His favor" on our country.
"We've come here in a time of crises," she said. "In 1991 ... America was in great distress. An economic downturn and employment plagued many families."
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She recounted her family's move to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and her inability to find even a plumber to help them set up home, "because they had all fled [the community] to find jobs."
And then, she went on, "America went to war, to fight Operation Desert Storm ... We went to our knees to pray," she said, reminding how God answered the prayers with a stellar success in that military operation.
Another tragedy Dobson recounted: The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on American soil.
"[Now] Christians are being murdered for their faith around the globe," she said. "In our own country ... we're watching the moral decay and in many times, the disdain for God. ... Our country's debt spirals out of control."
She then said: "At this critical time, it is imperative that people of faith come together" and "with humility," pray for God's intercession and forgiveness.
"With this in mind our ... theme is, 'Lord hear our cry.'" she said. "We have come together to humble ourselves to renounce and repent of sins, both as a nation and as individuals."
With that, Dobson recognized the members of the military in the audience, saying, "We are so appreciative of your sacrificial service."
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Other speakers:
Rev. Father Hathaway: "We're thankful for our system of democratic government. ... [Let us] never forget we were founded as one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all."
Rep. Robert Aderholt, from Alabama: "I can't help but be reminded ... there's so many places in the world that cannot come together in prayer."
He called for prayer for those under persecution for their faith, and reminded of the blessings that come with being an American.
"It's easy to get discouraged," Aderholt said, "but we are indeed thankful to live in the United States of America, where we have so many freedoms."
Judge Robert Rigsby, nominated by former President George W. Bush to the District of Columbia Superior Court: "It is God that is in control, nnot man. It is God that is in control, not Congress. It is God that is in control, not the judiciary. ... We must not check our faith at the courthouse door."
Jack Graham: "We love America ... [but] this is a crying time in America. It's a time for tears. ... So we cry out to God, we cry out to God."
Barry Black, Senate chaplain: "Make prayer as natural as breathing. I believe we have reached a point in our nation ... as we slouch toward Gomorrah ... that we need, as people of faith, to make prayer as natural as breathing."
GOD TV live-streamed the event, beginning at 9 a.m., eastern time.