US President George W Bush has reminded Christians of the need to pray for US troops stationed in combat zones around the world in his Easter address.

Bush spent the holiday weekend at his Texas ranch and attended Easter services at Fort Hood, the base of the US Army's 4th Infantry Division. It was announced at the end of March that the division would be redeployed to Iraq for the third time later in the year.

Taken from Matthew 28:9, President Bush acknowledged the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the "most important event of the Christian faith".

In his address, Bush said: "Easter morning holds wonder and promise, and it is a chance for people everywhere to gather with family and friends to celebrate the power of love conquering death.

"In this season of renewal, we can rejoice in Christ's rising, draw strength and inspiration from His example, and remember that in the end, even death itself will be defeated."

He reminded Christians of the need to pray for US military personnel stationed in combat zones around the world, as well as their families, as four more US troops were killed in Iraq over the weekend.

Speaking to reporters outside the chapel at Fort Hood, Bush said he had prayed for US troops.

"I prayed for their safety, I prayed for their strength and comfort, and I prayed for peace," Bush said.