Contact: Terry Shaffer Hall, 202-441-6455, DCBibleMarathon@aol.com

WASHINGTON, April 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- The 19th annual U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon will begin at 7:00 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2008. For 90 continuous hours beginning with the reading of Genesis 1:1, every word of the Bible will be read aloud and without comment, culminating at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 1 with the reading of the final chapters of Revelation. During those five days, hundreds of Bible believers will gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol to read a portion of the Bible, to listen and to pray.

Event: 19th Annual U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon

When: Sunday, April 27, 2008, 7:00 PM through Thursday, May 1, 2:00 PM

Where: West Front, U.S. Capitol

Interview Contact: Rev. Michael Hall, 202-441- 6455

Participant and Event Information Contact: Terry Shaffer Hall, 202-441-6455

The U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon began in 1990, the year proclaimed by a Joint Congressional Resolution and Presidential Proclamation by President George H. W. Bush as the International Year of Bible Reading. The event serves to honor the Bible and the Holy Word of God, celebrate religious freedom and unite the diverse branches of Christianity around the Bible.

Readers who participate come from many backgrounds and locations all across America. Members of Congress and world-renowned Evangelists, pastors and Christian performing artists stand alongside police chiefs, military personnel, nurses, teachers, school children, retirees and otherwise ordinary believers to raise up the Word of God. Every culture, age, denomination, race and political party is represented. Many branches of faith are represented as well, including Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Messianic and Jewish.

The U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon is part of a weeklong celebration of prayer and the Word. Prayer stations will be available to groups and individuals to offer prayers for the nation and seating will be available for those simply wishing to listen.

Rev. Rob Schenck, president of Faith and Action will lead a prayer service and opening ceremony beginning at 6:00 PM on Sunday, April 27. Rev. Schenck will also conduct a closing ceremony beginning at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 1. The National Day of Prayer Observance will be held at the same location shortly thereafter.

The U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon will be webcast around the world at www.DCBibleMarathon.org

Reading times can be reserved through Terry Shaffer Hall, 202-441-6455 or DCBibleMarathon@aol.com