President Obama recently spoke at the 2009 National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast (though, interestingly, much ado was made of his failure to observe the traditional National Day of Prayer in May). The event was conducted by Esperanza, billed as “the largest Hispanic faith-based Evangelical network in the United States.”

Of particular note, Obama said:

[It] was the genius of America’s Founders to protect the freedom of all religion, and those who practice no religion at all. So as we join in prayer, we remember that this is a nation of Christians and Muslims and Jews and Hindus and non-believers. It is this freedom that allows faith to flourish within our borders. It is this freedom that makes our nation stronger…

As I look out at this audience, I’m reminded of the power of faith in America — faith in God, and a faith in the promise of this great country. Each of us come from many different places. We trace our roots back to different nations, and we represent a broad spectrum of personal and political beliefs. But all of us pray to God…

In all that we do, we must be guided by that simple command that binds all great religions together: Love thy neighbor as thyself…

Scripture tells us, “The word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” Today, let us pray for the strength to find the word in our hearts…

Thank you for your prayers. May God bless all of you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Obama’s citations were Mark 12:31 (KJV) and Deuteronomy 30:14 (apparently, NIV). Interestingly, the New Testament reference is actually a quote from Leviticus (19:18), and Obama dismissed both Leviticus and Deuteronomy as guiding Biblical books (for public policy) in a speech to “Call to Renewal” while he was a Senator.