The Internet based Presidential Prayer Team releases a nationwide campaign to pray for the American troops in battle. Since the outbreak of Operation Iraqi Freedom, more than 500,000 Americans have agreed to “Adopt our Troops in Prayer,” agreeing to daily pray for the welfare of a designated soldier serving in Iraq.

Contributing to the effort, the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary joined in with the help of Endel Lee, assistant professor of preaching and pastoral ministries at the seminary’s undergraduate Leavell College.

"We are trying to launch an organized prayer momentum on our campus that will parallel the current threat level to our troops and their loved ones," said Lee.

"The president has asked for this prayer effort from the American people and it seems like a significant way to contribute to the crisis no matter who you are or where you live," said Lee, who had served the military reserves for nearly 20 years, the last 10 as a Navy chaplain. "I know that I would appreciate others praying for me in this manner if I was mobilized for active service."

Lee encouraged the college’s students to participate in the prayer campaign, which seeks to give support to the troops who risking their lives in service.

According to the website, persons who select a military person to adopt, “agree to pray daily for the individual, just as they would pray daily for the president.

By Pauline J.