WASHINGTON (Feb. 3, 2015) -- Faith, fellowship, and food were on display during the Fort McNair National Prayer Luncheon held inside the National Defense University (NDU) at Fort Lesley J. McNair.
Military commands since the 1950s have participated in a National Prayer Service annually in an effort to improve spiritual fitness and invoke Divine favor on the mission to maintain national security.
"The call to prayer for our country has been a part of our national heritage since the Continental Congress of 1775," said Chaplain (Col.) Gary R. Studniewski, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington command chaplain during his opening invocation. "Our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God as they were faced with critical decisions."
The packed catered luncheon, co-hosted by JFHQ-NCR/MDW Chaplains Office and NDU, brought attendees from across Fort McNair to hear music, scriptures and prayers for the Nation, its leaders, Wounded Warriors, service members and families.
"The prayer luncheon was in keeping with the time-honored tradition of prayer for our country in solidarity with the many prayer breakfasts taking place this time of year across military installations worldwide," said Studniewski. "I can't help but think that we participate in that great tradition of prayer for our country, as we believe that not only its origin, but its destiny, rests in the hands of Almighty God."
U.S. Navy retired Adm. William J. Fallon was the guest speaker during the devotional program during the event.
"Having served in significant positions of responsibility and having been faced with the oftentimes excruciating choices that involve war and peace, the fate of human beings and their future, Adm. Fallon spoke from personal experience of the importance of prayer and reliance on God," said Studniewski. "We are strengthened and inspired when we gather with other people in a common purpose for good."
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