WASHINGTON (ABP) -- President Bush praised the relief arm of the Baptist World Alliance and other religious groups as exemplifying a faith-based spirit of generosity during the National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 3.

Speaking to thousands of influential participants -- members of Congress, diplomats, foreign politicians and other leaders from around the globe -- Bush noted that all could come together around the common ground of prayer.

"Here we thank God for his great blessings in one voice, regardless of our backgrounds," Bush said. "We recognize in one another the spark of the divine that gives all human beings their inherent dignity and worth, regardless of religion."

Quoting Abraham Lincoln's assertion that he would be the "most shallow and self-conceited blockhead on this Earth" if he thought he could do his job without "the wisdom which comes from God, and not from men," Bush praised the compassionate response of the United States to the recent tsunami disasters -- both by the government and by private institutions, including religious ones.

"When the tsunamis hit those on the far side of the world, the American government rightly responded," Bush said. "But the American response is so much more than what our government agencies did.

"Look at the list of organizations bringing relief to the people from Indonesia to Sri Lanka," he continued. "They're full of religious names: Samaritan's Purse, American Jewish World Service, Baptist World Aid, The Catholic Medical Mission Board. They do a superb job delivering relief across the borders and continents and cultures."

The breakfast, which is sponsored by a private foundation, has been attended by every president since Dwight Eisenhower. It has taken place annually near the beginning of Congress' sessions since the 1950s. Although it started out as an explicitly Christian event, it has taken on a more ecumenical flair in recent decades.

Bush concluded with an exhortation to Americans. "I thank you for the fine tradition you continue here today, and hope that as a nation, we will never be too proud to commend our cares to providence and trust in the goodness of his plans."

---