The prayer vigil will be held on Monday, September 10, at 8:00 P.M.

Contact:  Christian Defense Coalition, 202-547-1735, 540-538-4741 cell

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- The group will be praying for President Bush and congressional leadership as they weigh the recommendations put forward by General Petraeus in his report to Congress concerning the future of Iraq.

They will also be praying for God's protection, blessing and direction for America on the eve of the 6th anniversary of 9/11.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, recently led a historic prayer delegation to Baghdad and met with Prime Minister al-Maliki and other Cabinet officials for prayer and discussion.  (See enclosed photos.)

Rev. Mahoney has been working and building a close relationship with the Iraqi people and government leaders over the past three years and will be available for comment and interviews this week.

Enclosed is an editorial in which Rev. Mahoney discusses his faith journey concerning Iraq, and his moving away from vocally opposing the war to recognizing that America must stand by the Iraqi people in their historic struggle to build a democratic society. 

Rev. Mahoney comments, "The decisions that will be made concerning the war in Iraq over the next several weeks will have a profound impact on the future of America and the entire Middle East.  In light of this, it is essential that the faith community humble themselves and urgently seek God for His wisdom, guidance and direction.  We are gathering at the White House, on the eve of 9/11, to cry out to God for His mercy and grace and ask Him to superintend over the war in Iraq and the affairs of our nation."

For more information or interviews contact:

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 202.547.1735      Cell:   540.538.4741