Official US Government Acknowledgement of God... Some Historical Examples

Are these symptoms of theocracy? If you think so then some of these links will probably freak you out.

Chaplains in the US Senate.

The custom of opening legislative sessions with a prayer began in the Continental Congress,
which elected Jacob Duche, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, to serve
as its chaplain from 1774-1776. Except for a brief period... both chambers have elected
a chaplain since the First Congress in 1789....

When Congress moved to Washington in 1800, churches were so few that the
chaplains even took turns conducting Sunday services in the House chamber-- now part
of Statuary Hall. Visiting clergy also participated in these services, which were open to
the public. ...

The constitutionality of the chaplains' prayers was upheld in 1983 by the Supreme
Court (Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783) on the grounds of precedent and tradition. The
Court cited the practice going back to the Continental Congress in 1774 and noted that
the custom "is deeply embedded in the history and tradition of this country" from colonial
times and the founding of the republic. Further, the Court held that the use of prayer "has
become part of the fabric of our society," coexisting with "the principles of
disestablishment and religious freedom."

Prayin' in the Capitol!! What's next -- Rules against blasphemy on US Navy vessels? Jefferson and Franklin proposing religious imagery for the Seal of the United States? An army general commanding attendance at Christian worship services (general order No. 6 of July 4, 1775)? There is definitely a drive to erase the supposed barbarism of religion from all public life, and yet many public figures insist on expressing their faith in God through official channels. Actually our present Congress trying to proclaim anything remotely religious is worthy of a good guffawin'. But that doesn't negate the fact that if any country needs a good solid day of fasting and supplication, it's ours. And that's just what the House and Senate called for back in March:

Whereas the United States is currently engaged in a war on terrorism in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001; (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)

HRES 153 EH

In the House of Representatives, U.S., March 27, 2003.

Whereas the United States is currently engaged in a war on terrorism in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001;

Whereas the Armed Forces of the United States are currently engaged in a campaign to disarm the regime of Saddam Hussein and liberate the people of Iraq;

Whereas, on June 1, 1774, the Virginia House of Burgesses called for a day of fasting and prayer as an expression of solidarity with the people of Boston who were under siege by the enemy;

Whereas, on March 16, 1776, the Continental Congress, recognizing that the `Liberties of America are imminently endangered' and the need `to acknowledge the overruling Providence of God', called for a day of `Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer' ;

Whereas, on June 28, 1787, during the debate of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin, convinced of God's intimate involvement in human affairs, implored the Congress to seek the assistance of Heaven in all its dealings;

Whereas, on March 30, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, at the bequest of the Senate, and himself recognizing the need of the Nation to humble itself before God in repentance for its national sins, proclaimed a day of fasting, prayer and humiliation;

Whereas all of the various faiths of the people of the United States have recognized, in our religious traditions, the need for fasting and humble supplication before Providence;

Whereas humility, fasting, and prayer in times of danger have long been rooted in our essential national convictions and have been a means of producing unity and solidarity among all the diverse people of this Nation as well as procuring the enduring grace and benevolence of God;

Whereas, through prayer , fasting, and self-reflection, we may better recognize our own faults and shortcomings and submit to the wisdom and love of God in order that we may have guidance and strength in those daily actions and decisions we must take; and

Whereas dangers and threats to our Nation persist and, in this time of peril, it is appropriate that the people of the United States, leaders and citizens alike, seek guidance, strength, and resolve through prayer and fasting: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should issue a proclamation--

(1) designating a day for humility, prayer , and fasting for all people of the United States; and

(2) calling on all people of the United States--

(A) to observe the day as a time of prayer and fasting;

(B) to seek guidance from God to achieve a greater understanding of our own failings and to learn how we can do better in our everyday activities; and

(C) to gain resolve in meeting the challenges that confront our Nation.

Whether God is impressed with this proclamation from a legislative body that approves of most abortions and tolerates corruption and bribery on a regular basis could be debated. You can pull up this resolution and all the debate on the floor of the House associated with it at http://thomas.loc.gov/ , an amazing resource.