HomeMy WebLinkAboutNational Day of Prayer_5.5.2011
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; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer and
Georgetown’s 20th anniversary recognizing the National Day of Prayer as a community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE GARVER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN,
TEXAS, do hereby proclaim Thursday, May 5, 2011, as
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
in Georgetown, Texas