Baseball returned to Washington, D.C. last week after a break of nearly 34 years! And President Bush followed tradition and threw out the first pitch. In this photo he is being congratulated by catcher Brian Schneider of the Wasington Nationals. Photo courtesy of the White House.

1. President Bush is doing a lot of traveling these days, so it's a great time to pray and ask God to strengthen and encourage him and to keep him safe all the time. He is speaking to people about all kinds of things from Social Security to volunteerism to Earth Day, so pray that he will be safe and will have God's wisdom where ever he goes.
2. A big part of President Bush's job is to meet with other leaders of the world, so we can pray for his meetings with Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, TX on Monday, April 25. They will talk about growing democracy in the Middle East and the war against terrorism. Pray also for the President as he meets with President Martin Torrijos of the Republic of Panama on April 28 at the White House. Those two leaders will discuss improving security in the region as well as strengthening democracy around the world. Ask God to be right there as these leaders meet, helping them to do His will and to honor Him in the things they decide.
3. Pray for the people of Oklahoma City, because they are observing the anniversary of a terrible bombing that devastated a large building and took many, many lives, ten years ago this week. Unless you live in Oklahoma City, you probably don't remember that, since you are a kid, but it was a horrible time. Yet it was a time when the people of that city and all Americans rallied together to rebuild, renew and restore the lives that were shaken. So pray for the comfort, healing and hope to grow stronger and stronger, and for the witness of God's power and strength to keep on encouraging the people of Oklahoma City.

President Bush shared a great and memorable moment with a Nationals player during the singing of the National Anthem. He was on hand for the Nationals' home opener last week. Photo courtesy of the White House.

4. Don't you love it when God answers prayer? Be sure to pray and thank God for answering our prayers that He would lead and help as the new pope was chosen. Pray also for Joseph Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI, as he begins leading the world's 1 billion+ Catholics.
5. Our troops are still working hard all over the world, so we want to be sure to pray for them as they serve, asking God to protect them every moment and to help them to do their jobs well. Pray especially that evil and spiritual darkness will stay away from our troops so they can love and honor God in their work and their free time.

We want you to remember two things about the National Day of Prayer!

1. Be sure to get involved in the NDOP, either at your school, your church or with your youth group. Just think about it—when you pray on May 5, you'll be joining your prayers with millions of others in asking God to strengthen and help our country. That's powerful!
2. Tell a friend about the National Day of Prayer and ask them to join you as you pray. That way, you'll double your prayers!

Learn more about NDOP HERE.

Secretary of Interior— Gale Norton

Photo courtesy of the Department of the Interior.

In her job as the Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton must manage and care for some of the most beautiful parts of America! The national parks and national forests are under her care, along with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Fish and Wildlife Department! Her job is really great because she gets to be outside in God's wonderful creation a lot of the time—but then, she has a great deal of responsibility too!

Gale Norton loves the outdoors and has always been interested in conservation and the environment. She is the first woman to head this department, which is one of the oldest of our government, founded in 1849! DOI oversees one of every five acres of U.S. land! It also provides water to 31 million people via 824 dams and reservoirs. As the manager of America's vast national park system, it welcomes more than 450 million visitors to 338 parks, monuments and other federally owned and managed recreation areas in our country, as well as overseeing 544 wildlife refuges.

Have you ever visited a National Park or monument? Then you have the DOI to thank, because they are the folks who take care of the parks and make sure they are preserved—not just for you, but for your kids and grandkids. So it's great to pray for them this week, especially since we are observing Earth Day!

Gale Norton is a 1975 graduate of Denver University where she also took her law degree. She was Attorney General for Colorado before she came to Washington. She and her husband, John Hughes, are avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. They live in the Washington, D.C. area.

Prayer Points for Gale Norton and DOI:

• For heightened environmental awareness and stewardship on the part of all Americans during this week's Earth Day observances.
• For safety and protection for all Americans visiting national lands during this summer's vacation season.
• For wisdom in the stewardship of water as many parts of the country continue in drought.

EPA Administrator— Stephen L. Johnson

Stephen Johnson enjoys a photo opp with President Bush at the announcement of his appointment to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Photo courtesy of the White House.

Stephen L. Johnson is the leader of our country's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As the first professional scientist to lead this department, Stephen Johnson will work to set very clear standards for the quality of our environment—that includes our air, water and land. He will use his experience and knowledge as a scientist to make decisions and set policies, and will work to improve our planet while trying not to limit business and industry too much, because that could create difficulties for our economy. He and his team are also responsible to see that our natural resources are used wisely. He will listen to those living closest to the land, because they know our environmental needs best.

One of his first jobs will be to work with Congress on President Bush's Clear Skies Initiative to reduce power plant pollution without disrupting the economy or raising electricity prices. He will also work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to keep our food supply safe.

Steve Johnson brings 24 years of experience at the EPA, where he has worked since almost the start of that department. In this new position, he is now awaiting confirmation by the Senate. As he jumps into his new position as Administrator of the EPA, he will rely on the support and encouragement of his wife, Debbie and their children and grandchildren. Mr. Johnson was born on March 21, 1951 in Washington, DC. He received a B.A. in Biology from Taylor University in Indiana and an M.S. in Pathology from George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Prayer Points for Stephen Johnson and the EPA:

• For wisdom in all policies enacted that effect our air, earth and water.
• For help in working on the Clear Skies Initiative with Congress.
• For God's help as he and his team set policies and make plans for the coming term.
• For wisdom and help for the Senators who are holding Mr. Johnson's confirmation hearings.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
—John 14:1-3

He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
—II Corinthians 1:10-11

President Bush commented on the election of Pope Benedict XVI upon returning to the White House Tuesday afternoon. Photo courtesy of the White House.

Like many Americans, President Bush was pleased when he heard the news that a new pope had been chosen earlier this week. He made the following comments to the press, promising that he and Mrs. Bush will be praying for the new Pope, Joseph Ratzinger, now known as Benedict XVI.

Laura and I offer our congratulations to Pope Benedict XVI. He's a man of great wisdom and knowledge. He's a man who serves the Lord. We remember well his sermon at the Pope's funeral in Rome, how his words touched our hearts and the hearts of millions. We join with our fellow citizens and millions around the world who pray for continued strength and wisdom as His Holiness leads the Catholic Church.
--George W. Bush

Portrait of President Van Buren courtesy of the White House.

"Beyond that I only look to the gracious protection of the Divine Being whose strengthening support I humbly solicit, and whom I fervently pray to look down upon us all. May it be among the dispensations of His providence to bless our beloved country with honors and with length of days. May her ways be ways of pleasantness and all her paths be peace!"
--Martin Van Buren, 8th President of the United States