Obama, Top Leaders Attend National Prayer Breakfast
Photo: AP
President Barack Obama holds up a book that he was given by author and keynote speaker Eric Metaxas, at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, February 2, 2012.
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama gathered in Washington with top leaders Thursday for the annual National Prayer Breakfast.
In his speech, President Obama stressed that God can play a critical role in everyone's life, no matter one's religious beliefs. He said all people can benefit by listening to "our creator" and avoiding "phony religiosity."
"This is especially important now when we're facing some big challenges as a nation, our economy is making progress as we recover from the worst crisis in generations. But far too many families are still struggling to find work or make the mortgage or pay for college and in some cases even buy food," said the president.
Obama said in moments of prayer, he is reminded that faith and values play a large role in solving some of the most urgent problems the United States faces. He said if people leave their values behind, they abandon much of the "moral glue" that has held the U.S. together for centuries.
"These moments of prayer slow us down, they humble us, they remind us that no matter how much responsibility we have, how fancy our titles, how much power we think we hold, we are imperfect vessels," said Obama.
Vice President Joe Biden was in attendance, along with several top lawmakers and one of the most famous players last season in U.S. college football, Baylor University quarterback Robert Griffin the third.
The National Prayer Breakfast is hosted by members of the Senate and House of Representatives who meet each week for prayer on Capitol Hill.
Every U.S. president has attended the event since it began in the 1953. Guests have come from some 130 countries, and the guest list often includes foreign dignitaries and celebrities. Mother Teresa, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and musician Bono have all attended the event.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
In his speech, President Obama stressed that God can play a critical role in everyone's life, no matter one's religious beliefs. He said all people can benefit by listening to "our creator" and avoiding "phony religiosity."
"This is especially important now when we're facing some big challenges as a nation, our economy is making progress as we recover from the worst crisis in generations. But far too many families are still struggling to find work or make the mortgage or pay for college and in some cases even buy food," said the president.
Obama said in moments of prayer, he is reminded that faith and values play a large role in solving some of the most urgent problems the United States faces. He said if people leave their values behind, they abandon much of the "moral glue" that has held the U.S. together for centuries.
"These moments of prayer slow us down, they humble us, they remind us that no matter how much responsibility we have, how fancy our titles, how much power we think we hold, we are imperfect vessels," said Obama.
Vice President Joe Biden was in attendance, along with several top lawmakers and one of the most famous players last season in U.S. college football, Baylor University quarterback Robert Griffin the third.
The National Prayer Breakfast is hosted by members of the Senate and House of Representatives who meet each week for prayer on Capitol Hill.
Every U.S. president has attended the event since it began in the 1953. Guests have come from some 130 countries, and the guest list often includes foreign dignitaries and celebrities. Mother Teresa, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and musician Bono have all attended the event.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
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