"In many ways, it's a wonderful White House to be in because there are a lot of people who are of faith, starting with the president," Ms. Rice said at National Presbyterian Church. "When you are in a community of faithful, it makes a very big difference not only in how people treat each other but in how they treat the task at hand."

The Bush White House has indeed been like a breath of fresh air in terms of welcoming a Christian influence. The mainstream press made a big issue of the morning devotions conducted in the office of Attorney General John Ashcroft. (I'm sure if he had been conducting a Muslim service it would have been praised.) It does my heart good to know that men like John Ashcroft and others in the administration hold prayer and Bible study in such high regard.

President Bush often publicly discusses his faith. In addition, he has proven his allegiance to the pro-life movement, he has confirmed his support of Israel, and has been a powerful leader during our new war on terrorism.

He has earned our trust. He deserves our prayers.

I am committing to pray for President Bush, his team and my elected representatives as never before.

I encourage everyone reading this today to pledge to regularly pray for President Bush, your congressional leaders, and your local and civic leaders. Write them letters or e-mails and let them know you are praying for them and committed to doing so routinely.

Let us commit together to regularly and passionately pray for our upright president and our other leaders as the Bible commands us to do.