This was sent to the editor of the Chattanooga Times-Free Press on May 9, 2009:

A letter in today’s (May 9) Times-Free Press, complains that President Obama “ignored” the National Day of Prayer. 

At the National Prayer Breakfast, he alluded to the Golden Rule—something found in all religions.  He pointedly warned against using religion to divide people.   He said, “In a world that grows smaller by the day, perhaps we can begin to crowd out the destructive forces of zealotry and make room for the healing power of understanding. This is my hope. This is my prayer.”

He issued a proclamation in which he echoed his remarks at the Prayer Breakfast.  It can be read at <www.whitehouse.gov>.

What the President did not do is make a big show of his religious sensitivities; he did not indulge in public piety.  He followed the advice of Jesus found in Matthew, 6:5-6  ”And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”