HomeMy WebLinkAboutDay of Prayer_5.6.2010
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, in 1775, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to join in prayer,
seeking wisdom as they faced the responsibility and opportunity of building a new nation;
and
WHEREAS, three decades later, during a time of national turmoil, President John
Adams declared “a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer,” asking citizens of all
faiths to pray for America’s protection from danger; and
WHEREAS, later as civil war tore our young country apart, President Abraham
Lincoln proclaimed a day of national fasting and prayer, saying “it behooves us ... to humble
ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray to the God that
made us”; and
WHEREAS, these times of national supplication were made official in 1952, with the
signing of a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress by President Harry Truman, establishing a
floating annual national day of prayer. Finally, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan set the date
of the annual prayer day as the first Thursday of May; and
WHEREAS, throughout our history, Americans have turned to prayer and reflection
during times of weakness and in moments of joy and despair, seeking comfort, giving
thanks, and asking for guidance and grace. Today, Americans continue in the tradition of
our forefathers by acknowledging the power of prayer in our lives and cherishing our right
to pray freely.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE GARVER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, do hereby proclaim Thursday, May 6, 2010, as
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
In Georgetown, Texas