Group makes this request in the midst of "The DC Awakening," a historic week of 24/7 prayer and public display of a 16 foot cross on the west lawn of the United States Capitol building.

Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741, 202-547-1735

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- Christians from all across the country have been praying 24 hours a day at the foot of the cross.

See photos at:
http://www.earnedmedia.org/cdc_cross_10_7_08.htm

This is the first time in the history of the Capitol Building that a cross has been displayed on their grounds for an entire week along with non-stop prayer.

"The DC Awakening" will have a news conference on Saturday, October 11, at 1:30 P.M. to discuss their call for a National Day of Prayer.

The location will be on the west lawn of the United States Capitol at the foot of the cross.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states, "America is facing its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.  In times of great crisis and challenge Americans have always turned to God for comfort, support and guidance.  We call upon President Bush, to follow the example of Abraham Lincoln, and issue a proclamation for a National Day of Prayer just as Lincoln did in April of 1863 during the Civil War.

"It is important that Americans humble themselves and turn to God to address this grave crisis which political leaders seem to have no power to solve.

 "As President Lincoln stated, '...it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord:'"

Rev. Rob Schenck, President of Faith and Action, adds, "Americans are living in fear and confusion in the wake of this tragic economic crisis.  Many are seeing their investments and retirement funds vanish before their eyes.  In response to this massive uncertainty, we call upon President Bush to proclaim a National Day of Prayer.

"It is critical that we come together as Americans and seek God for the kind of comfort and assurance that political leaders and government cannot provide.  It has been the collective faith of this nation that has sustained us through dark and difficult times in the past.

"As the scriptures declare, 'Keep and protect me, O God, for in you I have found refuge, and in You do I put my trust.'  Psalm 16:1"

For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney   540.538.4741      202.547.1735