The National Prayer Breakfast kicked off today at the Hilton Washington Hotel with President Bush introducing Bono by saying: “You know, I was trying to figure out what to say about Bono.”
Bono remarked, ” Careful.”
President Bush continued, “And a story jumped to mind about these really good Texas preachers. And he got going in a sermon and a fellow jumped up in the back and said, “Use me, Lord, use me.” And the preacher ignored him, and finished his sermon. Next Sunday he gets up, and cranking on another sermon. And the guy jumps up and says, “Use me, Lord, use me.” And after the service, he walked up to him and said, “If you’re serious, I’d like for you to paint the pews.” Next Sunday, he’s preaching, the guy stands up and says, “Use me, Lord, use me, but only in an advisory capacity. So I’ve gotten to know Bono. He’s a doer. The thing about this good citizen of the world is he’s used his position to get things done. You’re an amazing guy, Bono. God bless you.”

Later in the speech, President Bush said, “We live up to God’s calling when we provide help for HIV/AIDS victims on the continent of Africa and around the world. In millions of acts of kindness, we have seen the good heart of America. Bono, the true strength of this country is not in our military might or in the size of our wallet, it is in the hearts and souls of the American people.”

For the full transcript of President Bush’s remarks, visit here.

Bono introduced himself to those in attendance as “a man of the cloth: leather” and went on to say “Please join me in praying I don’t say anything we all regret.”

For in-depth coverage, visit the following sites:
Washington Post msnbc.msn.com