Those of you in the National Association of Evangelicals are known for your spiritual and humanitarian work. And I would be especially remiss if I didn't discharge right now one personal debt of gratitude. Thank you for your prayers. Nancy and I have felt their presence many times in many ways. And believe me, for us they've made all the difference. (3-7)

Do you feel a little like you're eavesdropping on a conversation? Like any minute Crookshanks is going to saunter on by and grab your Extendable Ear like it was some cheap cat toy?

Don't be fooled. It may seem like Reagan is indulging in a wee bit of small-talk prior to getting into the nitty-gritty of his speech, but that's just what he wants you to think.

Actually, the opening lines of his speech are intended to set the stage for his main point: caring about other people, speaking up for them, even praying for them, may bring some good juju to one and all. Reagan said he and his wife were grateful for the copious amounts of prayer and good wishes sent their way, and, more than that, they're better for it.

So imagine what could happening if everyone, like he and you and all of America, sent some of that good juju to fight back against the Evil Empire?